African Oil Bean

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African Oil Bean
• African-oil-bean
• Congo-acacia
• atta-bean
• nganzi
• oilbeantree
• owala-oil-tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pentaclethra africana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Pentaclethrha. Specifically, the medicinal species is identified as Pentaclethrha macrophylla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Pentaclethrha macrophylla, is widely distributed across several countries in West Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented in the coastal and inland regions of Benin. Additionally, it can be found growing throughout the landscapes of Ghana. The species also extends its range into Guinea-Bissau and the nation of Guinea. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the territory of Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pentaclethra macrophylla is fundamentally defined by its preference for stable, complex forest structures, as it is primarily found inhabiting both old secondary and primary forests. In these environments, the species thrives within the established canopy and sub-canopy layers, benefiting from the nutrient-rich organic matter and the specific microclimatic conditions—such as modulated light levels and consistent humidity—provided by mature forest ecosystems. Its presence in primary forests indicates a capacity to integrate into climax communities, while its occurrence in old secondary forests suggests a degree of ecological resilience as these habitats undergo successional development toward more stable states.

Habitat :

old secondary and primary forest

Life history

The life history of Pentaclethra macrophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation typical of larger woody plants. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional throughout different seasons rather than shedding all leaves annually. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle, a phanerophyte growth form, and evergreen foliage defines its stable and enduring presence within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pentaclethra macrophylla is characterized by its significant stature and robust structure, typically manifesting as a large woody tree. This species is a terrestrial plant that grows independently, neither acting as a parasite nor functioning as an epiphyte. In terms of its vertical dimensions, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 25 meters, with a mean height observed around 30 meters. Despite its substantial size, the plant is categorized as self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or climber, maintaining a stable, upright growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pentaclethra macrophylla is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process and metabolic efficiency within its tropical habitat. In addition to its specific carbon assimilation strategy, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing symbiotic relationships to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, thereby enhancing soil fertility and supporting its own nutritional requirements in nutrient-poor environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pentaclethrra macrophylla is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and biotic pollination mechanisms. The flowering period for this species is relatively concentrated, typically beginning in March and reaching its conclusion in April, though the timing can be variable throughout the year. The plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Specifically, the pollination process is driven by insects, with bees playing a primary role in the successful fertilization and reproductive success of the plant.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pentaclethra macrophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Chemicals

Pentaclethra macrophylla has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, FAT.

Ash

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

FAT

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

Preparations

Pentaclethra macrophylla has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous (WE) leaf extracts, ethanol (EE) leaf extracts.

Aqueous (we) leaf extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Ethanol (ee) leaf extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR