Herbier de Suza
Discovering a plant of Grand Suza: Allanblackia
The MAM Foundation values Cameroon's botanical wealth and knowledge, particularly through the collection and identification of plants. In addition to heritage work and the creation of a digitized database accessible to all, this contributes to the preservation of endemic, unknown or threatened species.
From this perspective, the MAM Foundation is interested in the allanblackia, a species present in the Suza region.
The Allanblackia is a flowering tree with some species (Allanblackia floribunda, Allanblackia stuhlmannii) grown for their oil. It is generally 10 to 20 metres high and has broad, hardy leaves and yellow or white flowers grouped into clusters. Its fruits are capsules containing oil-rich seeds, which are harvested to extract a highly appreciated vegetable butter.
The oil and butter of allanblackia are widely used in the cosmetics industry for the manufacture of soaps, lotions, in the manufacture of food products such as chocolates and in pharmaceutical industries. Allanblackia provides food to animal species and contributes to soil regeneration. It can provide economic opportunities for people and generate income for communities.
