Medicinal Monday: Parinari
curatellifolia
mobola-plum, cork
tree, hissing tree (Eng.)
grysappel, bosappel
(Afr.)
DescriptionParinari curatellifolia is a spreading tree that is striking amongst surrounding vegetation because of its semi-circular, almost mushroom-shaped canopy depicting hues of blue-green and grey. It is an evergreen, medium to large tree, 10-13 m high, although heights of 23-26 m have been recorded in certain regions. The bark is rough and corky with yellow woolly hairs occasionally present in younger twigs and branches. Silica crystals in the wood are a common occurrence. The leaves are distinctly bicoloured, having a white-silver undersurface and a dark green-grey upper surface. These simple and alternate leaves are inwardly folded with a base and tip fairly rounded and with a herringbone venation pattern visible on both surfaces. Leaf shape is somewhat oblong
Uses and cultural
aspects
Despite the presence of silica crystals, which make it difficult to work with, the wood of Parinari curatellifolia may be used for the manufacture of pounding blocks or poles, as well as boats. The presence of silica crystals is also problematic in that it blunts the blades of saws and other tools. Generally, these trees are not cleared away as the fruits are edible (and very tasty at that) and can readily be made into a nutritious syrup or more commonly as porridge. The fruits are also occasionally utilized for the brewing of alcoholic beverages. The seeds, which bear oil, may be eaten raw in the form of nuts. The leaf extracts and bark may be used as a remedy for symptoms of pneumonia or to treat ailments of the eye or ear. The bark and leaf extracts can be used for tanning purposes, for example the tanning of leather.
Despite the presence of silica crystals, which make it difficult to work with, the wood of Parinari curatellifolia may be used for the manufacture of pounding blocks or poles, as well as boats. The presence of silica crystals is also problematic in that it blunts the blades of saws and other tools. Generally, these trees are not cleared away as the fruits are edible (and very tasty at that) and can readily be made into a nutritious syrup or more commonly as porridge. The fruits are also occasionally utilized for the brewing of alcoholic beverages. The seeds, which bear oil, may be eaten raw in the form of nuts. The leaf extracts and bark may be used as a remedy for symptoms of pneumonia or to treat ailments of the eye or ear. The bark and leaf extracts can be used for tanning purposes, for example the tanning of leather.
Other general uses
of Parinari curatellifolia include its use as charcoal or
firewood. The tradition of basket-making is associated with this tree as the
bark produces a pink-brown dye which is generally used in basket work. Many
traditional medicines incorporate the bark of Parinari curatellifolia. The
roots are also useful for treatment of cataracts and earache. The roots are
soaked in cold water for about an hour prior to being used as ear drops or
alternatively soaked for about 6 hours and used as eye drops.
Journals consulted: Trees of Southern Africa by Keith Coates Palgrave
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