About Guiera senegalensis J.F.Gmel.
Guiera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Combretaceae. Guiera senegalensis J.F.Gmel. is the only known species in this genus. It is native to dry areas of Tropical Africa, ranging from Senegal to Sudan. This species requires abundant sunlight and grows best in light, dry soil. It produces the tannin 3,4,5-Tri-O-galloylquinic acid, along with several alkaloids from the harmane family. Ecologically, Guiera senegalensis is a pioneer species that spreads via animal dispersal and grows successfully in impoverished soil. It also acts as an indicator species for overgrazed land. The entire plant is often grown for decorative purposes. In African traditional medicine, its leaves are used as a general medicinal 'cure-all', and the species is documented to have hypotensive, antidiarrhetic, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is used to treat coughs. Its bark produces a commercially marketable gum. Its branches are used to make baskets, and for construction framework and fences. Its roots are used for toothpicks, and smoke from the plant repels flies.
