Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Magnoliales
Family:
Species:
gracilis
ID:
1066830

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Oliv. ex Engl. & Diels) Verdc.

Source:
tro

Year:
1986

Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 41: 295 (1986)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001066168



Common Names

  • Sphaerocoryne gracilis
  • Graceful Sphaerocoryne
  • Slender Sphaerocoryne


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Description

Sphaerocoryne gracilis (also called African wild banana, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Musaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in the moist forests of the Congo Basin. It is a small herbaceous plant, growing up to 1.5 meters tall, with large, banana-like leaves and small, yellow flowers.

Uses & Benefits

Sphaerocoryne gracilis has been used as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomachache. It is also used as a dye and for making paper. The plant is also used in the production of essential oils.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Sphaerocoryne gracilis sub. engleriana (Exell & Mendonça) Verdc.
Sphaerocoryne gracilis sub. gracilis

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Sphaerocoryne gracilis are small, white or yellowish, and have four petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are slender and have long, narrow leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Sphaerocoryne gracilis is a shrub or small tree that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a well-drained soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a well-drained soil mix. Both seeds and cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location.

Where to Find Sphaerocoryne gracilis

Sphaerocoryne gracilis is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.

Species in the Annonaceae family

Afroguatteria bequaertii, Afroguatteria globosa, Afroguatteria discostigma, Alphonsea boniana, Alphonsea curtisii, Alphonsea cylindrica, Alphonsea elliptica, Alphonsea gaudichaudiana, Alphonsea hainanensis, Alphonsea havilandii, Alphonsea hortensis, Alphonsea javanica, Alphonsea johorensis, Alphonsea keithii, Alphonsea kinabaluensis, Alphonsea kingii, Alphonsea lucida, Alphonsea lutea, Alphonsea maingayi, Alphonsea malayana, Alphonsea mollis, Alphonsea monogyna, Alphonsea orthopetala, Alphonsea ovata, Alphonsea papuasica, Alphonsea philastreana, Alphonsea siamensis, Alphonsea sonlaensis, Alphonsea stenogyna, Alphonsea tonquinensis, Alphonsea tsangyanensis, Alphonsea ventricosa, Alphonsea zeylanica, Alphonsea borneensis, Alphonsea rugosa, Alphonsea glandulosa, Alphonsea pallida, Alphonsea annulata, Alphonsea isthmicola, Alphonsea longicarpa, Alphonsea phuwuaensis, Ambavia capuronii, Ambavia gerrardii, Anaxagorea acuminata, Anaxagorea allenii, Anaxagorea angustifolia, Anaxagorea borneensis, Anaxagorea brachycarpa, Anaxagorea brevipedicellata, Anaxagorea brevipes,

References

Daniel Oliver (1830-1916): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Oliv.' in the authors string.
Ludwig Diels (1874-1945): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Diels' in the authors string.
Adolf Engler (1844-1930): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Engl.' in the authors string.
Bernard Verdcourt (1925-2011): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Verdc.' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:942852-1: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.