Umwumba (African Cherry)
Prunus africana
Prunus africana, African Cherry , is a tall evergreen tree native to Africa's highland forests. It is one of the continent's most important medicinal trees its bark is harvested worldwide to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because of heavy demand, it is now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Umwumba
- English name
- African Cherry
- Scientific name
- Prunus africana
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
Habitat
Montain and highland forest, 1500–3000m elevation.
Distribution
Widespread across tropical and southern Africa's highland regions, including Rwanda's Nyungwe and Gishwati forests.
Uses
Bark used in traditional and pharmaceutical medicine to treat prostate conditions; timber for furniture and construction.
Ecological importance
Fruits eaten by birds and primates; canopy supports highland forest biodiversity.
Ibisobanuro
Umwumba ni igiti kizwi nka African cherry. Igishishwa cyacyo gikoreshwa mu buvuzi gakondo no mu gukora imiti ikoreshwa mu kuvura indwara zimwe na zimwe za prostate. Kubera ko gishakishwa cyane, iki giti cyashyizwe ku rutonde rwa IUCN rw’ibiti bishobora gucika burundu biramutse bitabungabunzwe.