Bombax costatum (Malvaceae): state of knowns, unknowns and prospects in West Africa

Abstract

Introduction. The red kapok tree, Bombax costatum is a tree species native to West Africa. Most of its organs or plant parts are of medicinal, food, and economic importance. Literature. The species is widely used for food and medicinal purposes and as timber. Yet B. costatum is poorly studied and declining across its distribution range. So far, little has been achieved on this species'conservation status, genetic diversity, breeding and domestication. With the aim of synthesizing current knowledge and gaps, and suggesting future research, articles were searched in Google Scholar and Web of Science databases with relevant keywords on B. costatum. All articles found were critically read and analyzed for inclusion in the present review. Conclusions. The current state of knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, ecology, botanical description, structural characteristics, uses, nutritional and phytochemical properties, socioeconomic importance, propagation, growth and development, threats and conservation of B. costatum have been reviewed. Knowledge gaps were identified and research and development avenues were suggested and discussed for conservation of this species.

Application of IUCN Red List Criteria for Assessment of Some Savanna Trees of Nigeria, West Africa

“…Bombax costatum is one of the most widely used and important wild plant species, as it is extensively used for food and medicinal purposes as well as for handicrafts (Zerbo et al 2022). The calyx is sold in local markets and hence constitutes an additional source of income in rural communities (Ouedraogo et al 2014;Assogba et al 2018). B. costatum is under serious threat as a result of the degradation of natural stands through several anthropogenic activities (Assogba et al 2018).…”

“…The calyx is sold in local markets and hence constitutes an additional source of income in rural communities (Ouedraogo et al 2014;Assogba et al 2018). B. costatum is under serious threat as a result of the degradation of natural stands through several anthropogenic activities (Assogba et al 2018). These activities include the harvesting of flowers in large quantities for domestic and commercial use as vegetables, especially in northerncentral Nigeria (specifically, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states), which is part of the country.…”

“…The seeds were excessively grazed by cattle. This harvesting of fruits is capable of impeding fruiting, which is an important aspect of plant biomass production (Assogba et al 2018). Bombax costatum has recently been threatened by logging of the species for timber in most parts of the NSZ, especially Bauchi, the Plateau, and Nasarawa.…”