KIGGELARIA AFRICANA Meaning and
Definition
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Kiggelaria africana, commonly known as the wild peach or umKokoko in Zulu, is a flowering tree species native to various regions in Africa. It is a member of the family Pandaceae and is found in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
The Kiggelaria africana tree can reach heights of up to 15 meters and has a dense, spreading crown with a rounded shape. It has distinctive dark green, glossy leaves that are serrated along their edges. The tree produces small, three-lobed yellow flowers with a delicious, peach-like fragrance, hence its common name "wild peach." These flowers are followed by round, fleshy fruits that are about the size of a golf ball and turn from green to orange when ripe. The fruits contain a hard-shelled seed and are edible, often consumed by both animals and humans.
Apart from its ornamental value due to its attractive appearance and fragrant flowers, Kiggelaria africana holds medicinal properties. Various parts of the tree, including the bark, roots, and leaves, are used traditionally in African herbal medicine for treating conditions ranging from skin allergies and wounds to respiratory problems and digestive disorders. The tree's bark is also used to produce a yellow dye.
Additionally, Kiggelaria africana has ecological significance as it serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species. Its fruits and leaves provide a source of food for animals like birds and various small mammals. Overall, Kiggelaria africana is a culturally and ecologically valuable tree in African communities, renowned for its beauty, medicinal properties, and contribution to biodiversity.
Common Misspellings for KIGGELARIA AFRICANA
- jiggelaria africana
- miggelaria africana
- liggelaria africana
- oiggelaria africana
- iiggelaria africana
- kuggelaria africana
- kjggelaria africana
- kkggelaria africana
- koggelaria africana
- k9ggelaria africana
- k8ggelaria africana
- kifgelaria africana
- kivgelaria africana
- kibgelaria africana
- kihgelaria africana
- kiygelaria africana
- kitgelaria africana
- kigfelaria africana
- kigvelaria africana
Etymology of KIGGELARIA AFRICANA
The word "Kiggelaria Africana" is derived from Latin and has a taxonomic origin.
- "Kiggelaria" is the genus name in the plant taxonomy. It originates from the Greek word "kiggaris", which refers to a tree. The specific reason for this name choice is unclear.
- "Africana" is the species name, designating that the plant is indigenous or native to Africa. It originates from the Latin word "Africanus", which means "from Africa".
Together, "Kiggelaria Africana" refers to a specific species of tree native to Africa.
