Health benefits of Gabon Plum

The fruit-bearing tree Dacryodes excelsa, also known as the Gabon Plum, is in the Diospyros genus and the Burseraceae Kunth family (Frankincense family). It is known for having fruit-bearing species. Other trees that make aromatic resins, like frankincense and myrrh, are linked to this one. The plant is native to Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and other countries in Central and West Africa. The plants are also known as Gabonese Ebony, West African Ebony, African Ebony, Nigerian Ebony, African Ebony Persimmon, Gabon Persimmon, Congolese Ebony, Cameroon Ebony, Black Ebony, African Persimmon, Gabonese Persimmon, Benin Ebony, and Gaboon Ebony. People in the areas where the Gabon Plum fruit grows not only enjoy its taste, but also hold traditional and culinary importance. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, and you can eat it fresh or turn it into jams and jellies.

The name of this genus, “Dacryodes,” comes from the Greek words “dakruon,” which means “tear,” and “odes,” which means “like.” This most likely refers to the gum or glue that some species of Dacryodes make. A resin or gum that looks like tears comes out of some trees in this group. The Latin word “excelsus,” which means “high” or “lofty,” is where the name of the species comes from. Plant names often use this word to describe species that are tall or have a towering growing habit. For Dacryodes excelsa, the name of the species may come from the tree’s impressively tall and impressive size, as it can grow to great heights in its natural environment.

Gabon Plum Facts

Plant Description

As an unbuttressed evergreen tree, the Gabon Plum can grow to be medium to big. Its height ranges from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), and its trunk can be as wide as 1 meter (3.3 feet). It usually has dark green leaves on a thick, round crown. The plant grows in lowland jungles, wet forests, ridge tops, and upper slopes in the rain forests. It also likes to be near rivers or streams. There should be a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 in the soil so that it drains well and is not too acidic or neutral. It can make a resin or gum-like material, like other trees in the Dacryodes genus. However, its resin is not as well-known as that of some other species in the same family.

In many African cultures, the African pear is an important part of their culture. It’s often used in native celebrations and ceremonies, and it can mean kindness and hospitality. As well as the fruit, the seeds are also used to get oil, which is very valuable. For cooking and making money in some places, the oil is used. It is full of fatty acids. Some places grow it as part of agroforestry systems, where it can give other plants food and shade. In Puerto Rico’s early mountain forests, this was one of the most important trees for lumber because it was easy to find, big, and had a straight, well-formed, clear bole. It is one of the easiest to shape and most commonly used woods in its native range. In some places, conservation worries have grown because habitat loss and over-harvesting of trees for their fruit and oil have made things worse. People are working to protect natural areas and encourage harvesting methods that are good for the environment.

Appropriate growing environments for Gabon Plum

Gabon Plum is a fruit tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Here are the appropriate growing environments for Gabon Plum:

• Climate: Gabon plum trees do best in tropical or subtropical climates that stay warm to hot all year. In places with clear wet and dry seasons, they do well. The best temperature range for the whole year is 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
• Rainfall: For best growth and fruit production, plum trees need a clear wet season with lots of rain. It should rain between 39 and 79 inches (1,000 to 2,000 millimeters) a year. Once they are established, though, they can handle short droughts.
• Sunlight: These trees do best in full sun to some shade. To grow and bear fruit, they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine every day.
• Soil Type: Gabon plum plants like sandy, well-drained soils. Many types of dirt are fine for them, like sandy, clayey, and loamy soils, as long as they drain well. The pH level of the earth should be between 6.0 and 7.0, which means it should be slightly acidic to neutral.
• Soil Moisture: Even though it’s important for the soil to drain well, Gabon Plum trees do better when the soil stays wet, especially when they are growing. During dry times, irrigation may be needed.
• Altitude: Gabon Plum trees can grow at different elevations, usually from sea level to 4,900 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level.
• Protection from Wind: Giving plants some shelter from strong winds can be helpful, especially for young trees, because it keeps branches and fruit from getting damaged.
• Spacing: When you put Gabon Plum trees, make sure they are far enough apart so that air can flow and sunlight can reach all of them.
• Pruning: Trees may need to be pruned to keep their shape, get rid of dead or sick branches, and boost fruit production.
• Pest and Disease Management: To keep Gabon Plum trees and their fruit healthy, they need to be checked on regularly and dealt with properly for pests and diseases.

Roots

Gabon Plum usually has a main taproot that is thick and deep. This taproot goes deep into the ground and grows straight up. It helps the tree stay stable and get to deep water sources. Lateral roots grow out from the taproot. These roots spread out from the tree’s base and grow horizontally. Their main job is to hold the tree down in the ground and help it take in water and nutrients.

Because the lateral roots go deeper into the ground, they split into smaller roots that take in water and nutrients from the dirt around them. These small roots have a lot of surface area so they can take in as much food as possible. Root hairs cover the fine roots and look like tiny hairs. They make the surface area even bigger for absorption and are very important for taking in water and nutrients. Gabon Plum may grow floating roots that grow above the ground in some situations. The tree can get extra support from these roots, and they may also help the tree absorb water.

Stem

Gabon’s tree has a normal woody structure that many trees have. The bark is the top skin of the stem. It protects the tissues below. Even though it can be different shades of brown or gray, the bark is usually rough or smooth. Under the bark is a tissue called phloem that moves nutrients from the leaves to the rest of the plant. These nutrients are mostly sugars that are made during photosynthesis. This layer is very important for the tree’s health and growth.

There is a thin layer of tissue called the cambium between the phloem and the xylem, which is the deepest layer. New phloem cells are made on the outside and new xylem cells are made on the inside. This is what makes the stem get wider over time. The deepest layer of the stem is called xylem. Its main job is to move water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It also gives the stem structural support. The xylem of some tree species can be very thick and hard, which makes it good for making wood. The pith is a hollow tissue in the middle of the stem that doesn’t do anything to move nutrients around. When a tree gets old, the pith may dry out and stop working as well.

Bark

The part of the bark that you can see the most is the top layer. It can be different shades of brown to grayish, and it can look rough or smooth. The outer bark can also change as a tree ages. Older trees have bark that is rougher and has more structure. The bark on the outside may get cracks, furrows, or splits over time. These natural features in the bark can give it a unique look and feel. They often happen when the tree gets wider and the bark on the outside splits to make room for the growth.

Inside the bark is the phloem, which is another name for the inner bark. The inner bark is alive and moves nutrients from the leaves to other parts of the tree. These nutrients are mostly sugars made during photosynthesis.

Leaves

The leaf blade is the curved, swollen part of the leaf that is usually green and does photosynthesis, which gives the plant energy. The leaf blades can be different sizes and shapes, but they are usually oval or circular, and the tips can be pointy or round. Usually, they are simple leaves, which means they only have one blade, not complex leaves with many leaflets. There are different types of lines on leaves, such as entire (smooth and unbroken), serrated (with small teeth), and slightly wavy. The exact features of the margins can be different on each leaf. There is a network of veins in leaves that hold them up and move water, nutrients, and sugars around. A midrib runs down the middle of the leaf, and smaller veins branch off from it. These are the major veins.

The leaf petiole is the thin tube that goes from the leaf blade to the tree stem or branch. The leaf can be connected to the plant, and it is placed so that it gets the most sunlight. There are different lengths and widths of petioles. Usually, the leaves are organized so that one leaf comes out of the stem at a time, going from one side to the other along the branch. This design makes sure that every leaf gets the most light. There are different types of leaves. The top surface can be smooth and shiny, while the bottom surface can be hairy or have a more flat feel. The texture of leaves can be different on different plants and in different environments. The top layer is usually dark green, which is a sign of healthy leaves that are photosynthesizing. The health of the plant, its age, and the surroundings can all change the color of its leaves. No matter what shape the leaf is, the tip is usually either pointy or round, and the base can be tapered or round.

Flowers

Gabon plum trees usually have small groups of flowers called inflorescences. These flower clusters can be different sizes and may have more than one flower in them. The flowers of the Gabon Plum are usually small and bell- or urn-shaped, with a tube-like shape. Different flowers may have slightly different shapes. Most Gabon Plum flowers have five petals and five sections. Usually, the petals are green and cover the flower bud before it opens. The flowers aren’t always the same color, but they are usually creamy white or pale yellow. The flower’s base is where the petals connect.

The flower’s male reproductive parts, called stamens, are usually many and grouped in a ring around the female part in the middle. Each stamen has a thin stalk and an anther, which is where pollen is made. The pistil is the main female sexual part of the flower. It has three main parts: the stigma, the style, and the ovary. The stigma is the area on top of the pistil that pollen lands on during the pollination process. The stigma is connected to the ovary by a thin tube-like structure called the style. The ovules are inside the ovary. When fertilized, they turn into seeds.

There are usually several ovules, which are possible seeds, inside the ovary. When pollen is moved to the stigma and pollen tubes grow down through the style to reach the ovules, they become fertile. Some species of the genus Diospyros, like the Gabon Plum, make nectar to draw pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is common to find nectar in the flower in the shape of a ring at the base of the pistil or in other parts of the flower. Pollinators may be drawn to the smell of plum flowers. There are different smells that come from different flowers.

Fruits

Gabon Plum fruits come in a range of sizes, but most of them are round or slightly oval. When measured in width, they are usually between 0.4 and 3 centimeters (1.2 to 1 inch). As the fruit ripens, the color of the meat on the outside may change. It is green at first, but as it grows, it changes to yellow, orange, or dark brown. The fruit has a thin skin that can be peeled off or bitten through to get to the meat. It is usually smooth, but the feel can be a little different. A lot of people say that fruit tastes sweet and tropical, with hints of peach or mango. The taste can be different based on things like how ripe it is and how it was grown.

The layer on the outside is fleshy and can be eaten. The level below is usually sweet, but the taste can be sour to sweet based on how ripe the fruit is. There are different shades of yellow, orange, and reddish brown on the outside meat. The endocarp is the name for the hard, woody pit or stone inside the fruit. This stone is around the seed and keeps it safe. Stone usually only has one seed, which is called a single-seeded plant. The stone is very strong and tough.

Seed

Gabon Plum seeds aren’t very big. Most of them are only 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. They are usually oval or slightly long, with one pointy end and one rounded or flat end. The seed coat is usually brown, but the seeds can look darker or lighter brown based on things like how mature they are and how much they dry out. The seed coat is smooth and hard, and it protects the baby inside. Inside the seed coat is the embryo, which is the young plant that hasn’t grown yet. The embryo is made up of a radicle, cotyledons (usually two), and the fetal axis. When conditions are right, these structures are necessary for the birth and growth of a new Gabon Plum plant.

Health benefits of Gabon Plum

Gabon Plum is a fruit with several health benefits due to its nutritional content and unique compounds. Here are the detailed health benefits of Gabon Plum:

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

There are a lot of important vitamins and minerals in Gabon plum. Some of these are vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients are very important for keeping your health in many ways.

2. Antioxidant Properties

There are a lot of antioxidants in Gabon Plum, especially vitamin C and polyphenolic substances. These antioxidants help keep the body’s cells safe from reactive stress, which can cause long-term illnesses and early aging.

3. Boosts Immune System

Gabon Plum’s high vitamin C level makes the immune system work better. It makes white blood cells and antibodies in the body, which makes it better able to fight off infections and illnesses.

4. Digestive Health

There is a lot of fiber in Gabon Plum. Fiber helps digestion by encouraging normal bowel movements and keeping you from getting constipated. A good gut micro biome is also helped by fiber.

5. Heart Health

Gabon Plum has potassium, which is important for keeping blood pressure at a good level. Eating foods like Gabon Plum that are high in potassium can lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

6. Bone Health

Calcium and vitamin K, which are found in Gabon Plum, are very important for bone health. Calcium is important for strong teeth and bones, and vitamin K helps build bone mineralization and bone health.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Some of the chemicals in Gabon Plum can help lower inflammation and the symptoms of conditions like arthritis.

8. Weight Management

Fiber in Gabon’s food Plum makes you feel full, which may help you control your weight by lowering your general calorie intake and stopping you from eating too much.

9. Skin and Hair Health

Gabon Plum has vitamin A, which is good for your skin and hair. It is important for keeping skin wet and flexible, and it can also help stop a number of skin problems.

10. Vision Health

Also, vitamin A is very important for good eyesight. Gabon Plum can help keep your eyes healthy and may lower your chance of getting age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.

11. Diuretic Properties

Gabon Plum can make you pee more, which helps get rid of waste from your body. This might be good for the health of your kidneys.

12. Anti-Microbial Properties

Antimicrobial properties are one of the usual ways that Gabon Plum is used. Some of the chemicals in Gabon Plum may be able to kill germs.

13. Cancer Prevention

There are many bioactive substances in Gabon Plum, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been linked to preventing cancer. It’s possible that these chemicals can help stop the growth of cancer cells and lower the risk of getting some types of cancer.

14. Anti-Diabetic Properties

Based on some studies, Gabon Plum might help people who have diabetes. It might help control blood sugar levels and make insulin work well, which is good for people who already have diabetes or are at risk of getting it.

15. Anti-Aging Benefits

Not only do the antioxidants in Gabon Plum protect against oxidative stress, they can also help you age more slowly. They stop wrinkles and fine lines from showing up, making skin look young and healthy.

16. Liver Health

One possible benefit of Gabon Plum is that it may help keep the liver from getting hurt. It might help the liver work better and clean out the body.

17. Anti-Allergic Effects

According to some studies, Gabon Plum products may help people who are allergic by reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and stuffy noses.

18. Aids in Wound Healing

Gabon Plum has been put on wounds to help them heal in traditional treatment. When put on small cuts and scrapes, it may help them heal faster, reduce swelling, and keep them from getting infected.

20. Improves Cognitive Function

Healthy Oxidants in Gabon Plum might help protect brain cells from oxidative damage, which could improve brain function and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

21. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Gabon Plum has chemicals in it that might help calm the nervous system. If you eat Gabon Plum or its extracts, it might help lower your worry and anxiety.

22. Enhances Hair Health

Gabon Plum has minerals and vitamins that are good for your hair, like iron and vitamin A. In addition to stopping hair loss, they can make hair healthier and help it grow faster

23. Anti-Arthritic Properties

Some studies show that Gabon Plum products may help people with arthritis by reducing joint pain and inflammation.

24. Menstrual Health

In some countries, Gabon Plum has been used for a long time to ease the pain of menstruation and keep the cycles regular. It might help ease signs like cramps and periods that come and go.

Culinary Uses of Gabon Plum

Gabon plum is a plum-like fruit that has a green or purple skin and a creamy, oily flesh with a unique flavor that is a mix of avocado and olive. Here are some culinary uses of Gabon plum:

• Eating Fresh: If you want to eat a fresh Gabon plum, just peel it and eat the creamy meat. People often say it tastes rich, sweet, and slightly salty.
• Salads: You can slice or dice the fruit and add it to salads to give them a creamy and unique feel.
• Smoothies: You can make tasty and healthy drinks by mixing Gabon plum with other fruits like bananas, mangoes, or yogurt.
• Condiments: You can mash the creamy meat of a Gabon plum and mix it with herbs and spices to make tasty spreads or dips. A lot of the time, it’s used to make stews and spreads.
• Cooking: Gabon plums are used in savory meals in some traditional African foods. It can be used to give soups, stews, and sauces a rich, nutty taste and make them creamier.
• Preserves and Jams: There are different kinds of preserves that can be made from Gabon plums. It can be turned into a sweet and sour spread by adding sugar and other flavorings.
• Baking There are different kinds of preserves that can be made from Gabon plums. It can be turned into a sweet and sour spread by adding sugar and other flavorings.
• Oil: Because Gabon plum seeds are high in oil, they can be taken out and used for cooking. It can be used for frying and sautéing because it has a high smoke point.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Gabon plums are used to make traditional boozy drinks in some places. You can ferment it to make wine or distill it to make drinks.
• Snacks: Dried pieces of Gabon plum can be a tasty and healthy snack. To make them taste better, you can season or sugar them before drying them.
• Ice Cream and Sorbet: People who make their own ice cream or sorbet can add Gabon plum juice to their recipes to make them taste creamy and exotic.
• Sauces and Dressings: The Gabon plum can be used to make creamy salad dressings or as a base for sauces that you can drizzle over grilled meats, seafood, or veggies.
• Marinades: Mix Gabon plum puree with herbs, spices, and other seasonings to make unique marinades for meat and fowl. It gives the food a rich, slightly sour taste.
• Smoothie Bowls: To improve the taste and texture of your food, add Gabon plums to smoothie bowls along with granola, nuts, and fresh fruits.
• Chutneys: To go with grilled or roasted meats, Gabon plum chutney is a great choice. It can also be served with cheese and bread.
• Cocktails: When mixed with other ingredients, like ice or water, gabon plum can give drinks like margaritas or daiquiris a unique flavor.
• Yogurt Parfaits: To make a tasty and pretty parfait, layer Gabon plum slices or juice with yogurt and granola.
• Fritters: You can make sweet or spicy fritters by dipping slices of Gabon plum in a light batter and deep-frying them. For a sweet version, sprinkle them with powdered sugar. For a spicy version, sprinkle them with salt and spices.
• Cakes and Pies: Add Gabon plum puree to pie fillings or cake batters to make desserts that are moist and full of flavor.
• Soup Garnish: For a surprise taste and creaminess boost, top chilled soups like gazpacho with slices or diced Gabon plum.
• Grilled Kabobs: For a unique twist on grilled kabobs, put Gabon plum chunks on skewers with meats and veggies.
• Energy Bars: If you want to make your own energy bars or protein bites, mix ground and dried Gabon plum with nuts, seeds, and spices.
• Fruit Salsa: Gabon plum goes well with mango, pineapple, red onion, and other fruits. Make a bright and tasty fruit salsa to go with grilled meats or fish.
• Dessert Toppings: You can put pieces or puree of Gabon plums on top of pancakes, waffles, or crepes to make them taste creamy and exotic.
• Infused Water: Put slices of Gabon plum in a pitcher of water and float them on top for a refreshing drink with a light taste.

Different uses of Gabon plum

Gabon plum is a versatile fruit with various uses, both culinary and non-culinary. Here are different uses of Gabon plum:

• Cosmetics: Oil from Gabon plum seeds is used to make skin care products in the cosmetics business. It can be used in lotions, creams, and hair care items because it moisturizes and cushions the skin.
• Soap Making: Since Gabon plum oil can moisturize, it can be used as an ingredient in soap. It makes the soap foam up better and condition your skin.
• Wood and Timber: The wood from the Gabon plum tree is valuable and is used for building, making furniture, and cutting. It makes a wood that is strong and looks good.
• Livestock Feed: Gabon plum leaves and sticks are sometimes fed to animals as food because they contain nutrients that are good for them.
• Fuel: Plum wood from Gabon is used as fuel for cooking and heating in some places.
• Timber Export: Prunus plum trees produce valuable wood that is sold as a good in some areas of Gabon.
• Beekeeping: Bees can get nectar from Gabon plum trees, which makes them useful for farming and making honey.
• Shade and Ornamental Tree: Gabon plum trees are planted for their usefulness, but they are also planted for their pretty looks and to provide shade in gardens and parks.
• Reforestation: Gabon plum trees are good for warm areas and can help stop trees from being cut down. They can be used to plant new trees there.
• Traditional and Cultural Uses: In many African cultures, the Gabon plum is important to the community and is often used in ceremonies and rites.
• Erosion Control: In places where the earth is weak or easily washed away, planting Gabon plum trees can help keep it from washing away.
• Fencing and Hedgerows: You can plant Gabon plum trees to make living fences and hedgerows that block the wind and act as natural barriers in agricultural areas.
• Traditional Crafts: Gabon plum tree wood is sometimes used by local craftspeople to carve, make traditional crafts, and make artistic items.
• Natural Dye: Gabon plum bark and leaves have chemicals in them that can be used to color clothes and projects naturally.
• Soil Improvement: Because Gabon plum trees fix nitrogen, they can make the land more fertile by adding nitrogen to it, which is good for plants nearby.
• Landscaping: Gabon plum trees are placed in parks, streets, and gardens in cities and suburbs to make them look nicer and improve landscaping.
• Ethno-botanical and Ethno-medicinal Research: Ethno-botany and ethno-medicine researchers are interested in the Gabon plum because it might be used in traditional medicine and cultural activities.
• Wildlife Habitat: Animals like birds and insects use Gabon plum trees as homes and eat the fruit, which is good for biodiversity.
• Shade for Crops: Planting Gabon plum trees in or near fields of crops can help them stay cool, which is especially helpful in hot places.
• Fruit Processing Industry: There may be chances to start a fruit preparation business in places where there are lots of Gabon plums. This could include making jams, jellies, and dried fruit snacks.
• Educational Tool: The Gabon plum can be used to teach people about variety, how plants have been used in the past, and how to farm in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
• Food Security: Plums from Gabon trees can be a good source of food during certain times of the year, helping people in rural places stay fed.
• Carbon Sequestration: Gabon plum trees, like many other plants, help take carbon dioxide out of the air, which can help slow down climate change.

Side effects of Gabon Plum

Gabon plum is generally considered safe for consumption when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. However, as with any food, some individuals may experience side effects or adverse reactions. Here are potential side effects and considerations associated with Gabon plum:

• Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic to Gabon plums or fruits that are similar to them. Itching, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing are all signs of an allergic response. If you know you’re allergic to fruits or think you might be, you should stay away from Gabon plum.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: When you eat too much Gabon plum or when it’s not fully ripe, it can make your stomach hurt. This could include signs like gut pain, diarrhea, or feeling sick.
• Caloric Content: Because it has a lot of fat, Gabon plum has a lot of calories. The fats in Gabon plum are healthy monounsaturated fats, but eating too many of them can make you gain weight if you don’t watch your intake.
• Blood Pressure: Because Gabon plum has potassium, which can affect blood pressure, some people may need to watch how much they eat. Before adding Gabon plum to your diet, talk to a doctor or nurse if you have a medical situation that needs you to limit potassium.
• Interaction with Medications: Some of the chemicals in Gabon plum may not work well with some medicines, like blood thinners or anticoagulants. It is best to talk to your doctor before adding Gabon plum to your diet if you are already on any medicines.
• Oxalate Content: Like many other fruits, the Gabon plum has oxalates in it, which can help people who are more likely to get kidney stones form them. Gabon plums may not be the best choice for you if you have a history of kidney stones or are more likely to get them.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=28768#null

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dacryodes+excelsa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacryodes_excelsa

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/dacryodes/excelsa.htm

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DAEX

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