Zanthoxylum leprieurii is a low branching medium-sized tree of the Rutaceae family. It can reach 24 m (79 ft) in height and up to 40 cm (16 in) in diameter. Some parts of the plant are used in African folk medicine.

Description

Stems often have conical, woody prickle-bearing protuberances up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long. Leaves alternate, and are imparipinnately compound, with 8-17 leaflets. Leaflets are 15-55 cm (22 in) long.

Distribution

This plant spans Tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and reaches Mozambique.

Uses

Extracts from the stem and root bark have applications in traditional healing practices. They are used as part of a decoction to treat venereal diseases, body pain, dysentery, urinary infections, male impotence and intestinal worms. Leaf extracts are used as a topical wound treatment, kidney pain arthritis, bleeding gums and sores.

Though not known for its durability, its wood is used to build canoes and boats, drums, crates and boxes.