About Gardenia erubescens Stapf & Hutch.
Gardenia erubescens Stapf & Hutch. is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 meters tall. Its leaves are opposite, grow at the ends of short branches and are grouped in tufts. When dry, the upper leaf surface is purplish-grey, with a slightly duller shade on the lower leaf surface; both sides of the leaves are glabrous. Stipules measure 2–4 mm long, and the leaf blade is broadly obovate. Flowers are borne either solitary or in small clusters. The calyx is tubular with 6 linear lobes, and the corolla is also tubular with approximately 6 elliptic lobes. The ripe fruit is yellowish, ellipsoid or ovoid in shape, and 3–8 cm long. This species is commonly found in woodland savannas, ranging from the West African countries of Senegal and Nigeria eastwards into Central Africa. In parts of Northern Nigeria, a decoction of this plant is used to treat multiple health conditions including gonorrhea, ascites, and loss of appetite. Plant extracts are also used as an aphrodisiac and a stimulant. Local people consume its edible fruit.
