SafePlants

Cynometra: An Overview

Cynometra is a genus of tropical forest trees found across pantropical regions, holding significant ecological importance in West Africa and the Neotropics.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions medicinal uses and the presence of saponins and tannins in Cynometra iripa. The implications of these compounds for pets are unknown, but caution is advisable.

Considerations for Children

• Some Cynometra species are grown as ornamentals in gardens and harvested for medicinal purposes. It's worth noting that contact with or ingestion of wild plants could be a concern.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Cynometra
• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae and Caesalpiniaceae)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)

Nomenclature and Synonyms (Example: Cynometra ramiflora)

• Scientific Name: Cynometra ramiflora L.
• Authority: Linnaeus, C. von (1753)
• Synonyms:
  • Cynometra bifoliolata Merr.
  • Cynometra bijuga Span.

Common Names

• Cynometra cauliflora: Namu-namu (Indonesia, Maluku and Manado), Ternate namo-namo, Nam-Nam
• Cynometra ramiflora: Gulos (Chamorro)

Distribution and Habitat

• Pantropical distribution, with importance in West Africa and the Neotropics.
• Specific locations mentioned:
  • Malaysia (mainly northern) for Cynometra cauliflora
  • Kerala Western Ghats of India for Cynometra beddomei
  • India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Northeast Australia, Papua New Guinea for some species.
  • Guineo-Congolian W and WC regions, Zanzibar-Inhambane E Africa for other species.
  • Limestone forests, coastal cliff lines, and ravines for Cynometra ramiflora.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cynometra are generally tropical forest trees.
• Cynometra cauliflora (Nam-Nam) is described as a small tree with a knotted trunk yielding edible fruit.
• Cynometra ramiflora is described as a small, evergreen tree with much-spreading branches.
• Some species can grow to medium or large sizes, up to 50 meters, with buttressed boles and brown/grey smooth bark.

Traditional Uses

• Harvested for timber and various medicinal uses.
• Sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.
• The fruit of Cynometra cauliflora is edible.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Seedlings of Cynometra iripa have demonstrated the ability to grow well at salinity levels using Nacl and Na2SO4.
• Antimicrobial activity has been found in aerial parts of Cynometra iripa.

Further Information

• ARKive (for photos and facts)
• DELTA database (for Cynometra spp. (Kekatong))
• An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Dr Godofredo Umali Stuart