Family: Fabaceae
Author: Poir.
Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 5: 728 (1804)
Year: 1804
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pterocarpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Chad
Description
African kino, scientifically known as Pterocarpus erinaceus, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. This remarkable tree is indigenous to the West Tropical regions of Africa, extending its range as far east as Chad. First described in 1804 by the botanist Poir, its historical and botanical significance is well-documented, including in the seminal works of J.B.A.M. de Lamarck.
The African kino is renowned for its various attributes, most notably its robust hardwood, which is extensively utilized in woodworking and construction. Due to its durability and appealing reddish hue, it is a favored material for high-quality furniture and flooring. Moreover, the tree exudes a red resin, colloquially known as “kino,” which has medicinal properties and is often used in traditional remedies.
Ecologically, Pterocarpus erinaceus plays a vital role in its native habitats. It provides an essential source of shade and shelter in the savannas of West Tropical Africa, fostering biodiversity by offering a habitat to numerous species. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen enriches the soil, thereby supporting agricultural activities in these regions.
The African kino is also culturally significant to the local communities. Its leaves, seeds, and bark are used in various traditional practices and rituals, underscoring the tree’s integral place in the daily lives and heritage of the people.
However, due to its valuable timber and other pressures, Pterocarpus erinaceus faces threats from overexploitation and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the sustainability of this species, safeguarding both its environmental and cultural importance for future generations.
Through its multifaceted uses and profound significance, the African kino stands as a symbol of the rich biodiversity and cultural wealth of West Tropical Africa.
Common Names
Eng: african kino, african rosewood, african-teak, gambian kino, senegal rosewood, west african kino, west african rosewood, barwood, black camwood, madobia, kosso, african barwood, african kino tree, african teak, keno
Deu: afrikanischer kinobaum
Swe: afrikanskt kino
Fra: palissandre du sénégal, santal, ven, kino de gambie, santal rouge d’afrique, teak africain, vène
Por: pau de sangue
En: African kino, African rosewood, Senegal rosewood, West African kino, West African rosewood, Barwood, Madobia, Gambian kino, African-teak, Black camwood, Kosso, African Barwood, African Kino Tree, African Teak, Keno
Bm: Banovhi, Banuhi, Bary, Goni, Gwani, N’gueni
Zh: 刺猬紫檀
Fr: Palissandre du Sénégal, Ven, Santal, Kino de Gambie, Palisandre du Senegal, Santal du Senegal, Vene, Santal rouge d’Afrique, Teak africain, Vène
Ff: Bani
De: Afrikanischer Kinobaum
Pt: Pau de Sangue
Sv: Afrikanskt kino
Wo: Sangari, Ven, Wein, Yirk, Yor, Wén
Synonyms
- Drepanocarpus senegalensis (T.Nees & C.H.Eberm.)
- Echinodiscus erinaceus (Benth. ex Walp.)
- Lingoum erinaceum (Kuntze)
- Pterocarpus senegalensis (Vahl ex DC.)
- Pterocarpus africanus (Hook.)
- Pterocarpus adansonii (DC.)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Mali (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Togo (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Agnes Daba THIAW (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu GUEYE (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sénégal ENGOUEMENT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2019 by Ibrahima GUEYE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 14, 2022 by xusta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2022 by xusta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Paulin OUOBA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by josue TASMARE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sénégal ENGOUEMENT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sénégal ENGOUEMENT (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu GUEYE (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5349317)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:516454-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir.)