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Anogeissus: An Overview

The genus Anogeissus comprises a group of trees and shrubs belonging to the family Combretaceae. These plants are found in various regions of Asia and tropical Africa.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anogeissus (DC.) Wall. ex Guillem. & Perr.
• Family: Combretaceae (Rangoon Creeper family)
• Synonyms:
  • Conocarpus sect. Anogeissus Candolle

Species within the Genus

• Accepted species include: Anogeissus acuminata, Anogeissus bentii, Anogeissus dhofarica, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Anogeissus rotundifolia, and others.
• The Plant List includes 9 accepted species names within the Anogeissus genus.
• Potential synonyms can be found within the list of 20 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Anogeissus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Anogeissus species are distributed across Asia and tropical Africa.
• Anogeissus leiocarpa is native to the savannas of tropical Africa. It's the only West African species of the genus, which otherwise spans from tropical central and east Africa to tropical Southeast Asia. It specifically occurs from Senegal to Eritrea and Ethiopia, and south to DR Congo.
• Anogeissus latifolia is native to India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
• Anogeissus dhofarica is endemic to the monsoon-affected coastal mountains of the southern Arabian Peninsula, specifically in Dhofar (Oman) and Hauf (Yemen).
• Some species can be found in rocky, tropical habitats in the Old World.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The genus includes both trees and shrubs.
• They typically have tubular flowers lacking petals.
• They produce dry fruits with ridges or wings.
• Anogeissus latifolia is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching up to 20-36 meters tall. Its bole (trunk) is usually straight and cylindrical. The leaves are elliptic with a red petiole, and the bark has greyish-white patches.
• Anogeissus leiocarpa (African birch) is a tall, deciduous tree or a slow-growing evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree.
• Anogeissus pendula is a small tree with smooth, grey bark.
• Some Anogeissus species are large trees with drooping branches, alternate, broadly elliptic leaves (4-9 cm long), and small, two-winged fruits.

Traditional Uses and Properties

• Anogeissus latifolia (Axlewood) is used for its wood and tannins, and as fodder. Gummi Indicum, a gummy exudation from the wood of A. latifolia, is recognized as a substitute for gum arabic.
• Extracts from the Anogeissus genus are used in skincare for their ability to produce fibrillin, potentially increasing skin elasticity.
• In Benin, Anogeissus leiocarpa is occasionally planted near villages for its dye.
• The bark of Anogeissus latifolia has been traditionally used to treat various ailments.
• Anogeissus leiocarpa is used for dyeing cotton fabric and for reforestation.

Considerations for Pets

• Anogeissus latifolia is used as fodder.

Quirky Facts

• Anogeissus leiocarpa is also known as "African birch" because of the silvery cast of the tree.

Further Information

• The Plant List: A comprehensive source for plant names.
• ARKive: Features photos and facts about Anogeissus.
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life): Explore what EOL knows about Anogeissus leiocarpa.