Bombax Costatum Research Articles

Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Birds Fed Graded Levels of Kapok (Bombax costatum)

The study was conducted in poultry production unit of the Teaching and Research farm in the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University to investigate the effect of graded levels of kapok seed meal on broiler bird’s performance. A total of 288 broiler chickens were being used. The broiler chickens randomly divided into four treatments groups (four experimental diets) T1 (control), T2 (0.5kg/100kg), T3 (1Kg/100kg) and T4 (1.5kg/100Kg). At the termination of the experiment (day 56), two birds from each pen (replicate) having representative weights for the group (6 birds per Treatment) were selected. The selected birds were bled, dressed and eviscerated. At starter phase the result shows no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments with regards to final body weight and average daily weight gain, birds in treatment 4 had higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other treatments. The result shows significant difference (P<0.05) between the treatments across all the parameters measured except FCR. Birds fed treatment 4 record higher values (P<0.05) of all the parameters measured compared to treatment 1 at finisher phase. The result on carcass shows significant difference (P<0.05) in terms of liver, lung, spleen and crop. Birds in treatment 2 have lower (P<0.05) liver compared to the other treatments. Higher (P<0.05) crop weight are recorded for birds in treatment 1 compared to the other treatments. The study concludes that ingredients of kapok (Bombax costatum) in poultry diet significantly (p<0.05) improved performance of broiler birds at starter and finisher phase at rate of 0.5kg/100kg inclusion of fed.

Bombax costatum enhances piroxicam's efficacy: Possible involvement of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways

With increasing drug-herb combination and widespread use of Bombax costatum as analgesic in Africa, this research studies effects of Bombax costatum on piroxicam's efficacy and possible mechanisms of antinociception. In efficacy studies, four groups of mice were respectively treated with 1mL/kg distilled water, 400mg/kg Bombax costatum, 20mg/kg piroxicam and a combination of both. Acetic acid and hot plate were used to induce pain in mice while prostaglandin-E2 and formalin were used to induce inflammation in rats. For mechanistic studies, different groups of mice were treated intraperitoneally with 2mg/kg naloxone, 1mg/kg yohimbine, 20mg/kg propranolol, 5mg/kg glibenclamide and 1mg/kg prazosin respectively. Two other groups were treated orally with 1mL/kg of the vehicle and 400mg/kg Bombax costatum respectively. 60minutes later, 10mL/kg of 0.6% acetic acid was administered via the intraperitoneal route and number of writhes were observed for 10minutes. Concurrent administration of Bombax costatum and piroxicam decreased the number of writhes significantly (P≤0.001), increased reaction time with decreased paw diameter in comparison to control. Additionally, this drug-herb combination showed enhanced anti-nocipective efficacy than when administered singly. Also, pre-treatment with yohimbine and naloxone significantly (P≤0.01) inhibited the antinociceptive activities of Bombax costatum. Bombax costatum posses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and may involve α-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways. In addition, Bombax costaum augments the efficacy of piroxicam and could be of clinical benefits if studied on man.

Anxiolytic and antipyretic properties of the root aqueous extract of Bombax costatum Pellegr. et Vuillet. (Bombacaceae) in mice: Implication of behavioural and neurochemical approaches

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bombax costatum Pellegr. et Vuillet. (Bombacaceaea) is a plant used in traditional medicine in Cameroon to treat memory impairment, anxiety, insomnia and agitation. Aim of the study: The aqueous extract of Bombax costatum is evaluated for its anxiolytic like effect in mice using experimental models. Materials and methods: The plant extract is administered orally to mice. They were tested one hour later in the stress-induced hyperthermia, hole board, and open field or elevated plus maze tests, respectively. Finally, the brain Gamma aminobutyric acid [GABA] content and GABA-T were quantified in Bombax costatum aqueous extract-treated mice at the end of elevated plus maze test. Results: Bombax costatum aqueous extract showed anxiolytic activity. In stress-induced hyperthermia test, the plant extract significantly antagonised the increase of temperature. There is a significant reduction in the stress-induced hyperthermia from 1.13 ± 0.06℃ in the negative control group treated with distilled water to 0.26 ± 0.02℃ in the group of mice administered 100 mg/kg aqueous extract. In addition, Bombax costatum showed antipyretic activity by reducing the body temperature. In the elevated plus maze test, the aqueous extract increased the number of entries into, percentage of entries into, and percentage of time in open arms. It also reduced the percentage of entries and time in closed arms. Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that Bombax costatum aqueous extracts possess anxiolytic-like and antipyretic activities in mice. This plant could be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and fever in traditional medicine in Cameroon.

Regeneration indicators of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perl. in the Mbe plain of the Adamawa, Cameroon

Background In Africa, the Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. species is extremely important culturally, ecologically and socio-economically. This importance has led to its over-exploitation leading to an in situ rarity of its individuals. As a consequence, a conservation alert is increasingly reported across the continent due to the risk of extinction of this multipurpose plant. Unfortunately, indicators of regeneration and conservation guidelines for this species have been not developped yet. The objective was to evaluate the habitat, population distribution, dendrometric characteristics and structure of the plant which are indicators of regeneration in Cameroon. 
 Methodology A floristic inventory as well as the vegetation transect method was used in the villages Def, Karna Manga and Karna Petel located in Adamawa, Cameroon.
 Results A total of 109 individuals of the plant were counted with a density of 3.5 individuals per hectare. No plant individuals regenerated in human-controlled habitats (bush fields and home gardens). Population distribution, companion species (Bombax costatum, Piliostigma thonningii and Terminalia macroptera) more recurrent, species of the family Caesalpiniaceae in majority, dendrometric characteristics with a significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) between sites, horizontal and vertical structures although all significant at Karna Manga, showed site-specific patterns.
 Conclusion The regeneration indicators (habitat, population distribution, structure and dendrometric characteristics: crown diameter, diameter at breast height, height of the first large living branch and tree height) showed that conservation in situ requires accounting for local, site-specific conditions. For the continuation, the less expensive domestication techniques specific to the plant are recommended.

Impact of Climate Change on Priority Plant Species Conservation in The Forests Under ONAB (the National Wood Office of Benin) Management

The sustainable conservation of forest resources in a context of climate change and population growth would be compromised in their current form of exploitation by rural communities. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate change on the dynamics of habitats favorable to species of conservation priority in the forests under ONAB management as these species are heavily used by the populations living along the shores of these forests. The study will consist of: Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Khaya grandifoliola, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Milicia excelsa, Albizia zygia, Vitex doniana, Antidesma laciniatum and Bombax costatum. Techniques based on the principle of maximum entropy (Maxent) combined with GIS were used to project the favorable habitats of these ten species under current and future climatic conditions (Horizon 2050). Species occurrence data were collected and combined with bioclimatic data derived from the Worldclim database and the edaphic (soil) variable. Two climate models were used for future projections (CNRM-CM5, HadGEM-ES models) under the IPCC A2 scenario, and the partial ROC approach was used for the evaluation of the predictions of ecological niche models. Variables such as cec2 (cation exchange capacity, horizon 5-15cm), bio17 (precipitation of the driest quarter), bio12 (annual precipitation), bio3 (isothermality), bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual thermal amplitude) were found to be the most relevant respectively for the distribution of Khaya grandifoliola, Albizia zygia, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Antidesma laciniatum, Afzelia africana and Khaya senegalensis. Under current conditions, only 7% of the Beninese territory would be very favorable to the conservation of Khaya senegalensis and the CNRM-CM5 model predicts an increase of 27.5% and 13.2% respectively of these very favorable and moderately favorable areas by 2050 through conversion of unfavorable areas (7.4%). On the other hand, this model predicts an opposite trend at the level of Afzelia africana where it predicts a decrease of 8.1% and 1.8% respectively of the very favorable and moderately favorable areas and an increase of 5.1% of the unfavorable areas. Ecological niche modeling has basically revealed the conversion of some currently unfavorable habitats into very favorable habitats for conservation (this is the case of Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya senegalensis and Vitex doniana) and the extension of some habitats unfavorable to conservation (Anogeissus leiocarpa, Bombax costatum, and Pterocarpus erinaceus) by 2050. This study provides scientific support for planning and is a decision support tool for the conservation of these species at the socio-economic level.

Comparative Anticonvulsant Activity of Leaf, Stem Bark and Root Bark Extracts of Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet in Acute Models of Epilepsy

Comparative Anticonvulsant Activity of Leaf, Stem Bark and Root Bark Extracts of Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet in Acute Models of Epilepsy

Bombax Costatum extract abrogates piroxicam-mediated hepatic and gastric toxicities in rats

Concurrent administration of orthodox drugs and herbs is common in tropical Africa. This study investigates the effect of co-administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum on hepatic and gastric toxicities and levels of oxidative stress markers. Twenty male wistar rats were grouped into four. Rats in group one were administered 1mL/kg distilled water as normal control; group two were treated with 400mg/kg of extract; group three were treated with 20mg/kg of piroxicam; while those in group four were treated with both extract and piroxicam at 400mg/kg and 20mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were given orally for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanised; blood samples and stomach were collected for determination of hepatic and gastro-toxicity alongside with oxidative stress markers. Treatment with piroxicam alone shows the presence of oxidative stress with marked hepatic and gastric toxicities. Oxidative stress markers, hepatic and gastric toxicity indices after treatment with extract alone and in combination with piroxicam appear like that of the control group. Concurrent administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum prevents piroxicam-induced hepatic and gastric toxicities with a positive effect on antioxidant levels. This may indicate important health benefits of this drug-herb combination.

Evaluation of mineral composition and proximate analysis of selected wild leafy vegetables in Hong Adamawa state, Nigeria

The proximate analysis and mineral composition of some selected wild and consumed leafy vegetables in Hong Adamawa State of Nigeria were studied to determine their nutritional content using standard method of analysis. The Vegetables include Baobab, Blood plum, Bombax costatum and Ndaha. The results of the mineral composition show the following range Ca (74.612±0.008 - 203.542±2.001mg/kg), Cd (0.001±0.000 - 0.003±0.001mg/kg), Pb (0.001±0.000 - 0.002±0.001mg/kg), Mn (3.440±0.003 - 13.085±0.811mg/kg), Mg (22.831±0.451 - 124.156±2.23mg/kg) and Zn (0.085±0.003 - 3.015±0.031mg/kg). The proximate analyses revealed the following range of result, Ash content (6.00 - 17.00%), Moisture content (4.50 – 6.00%), Crude fibre (1.32 - 5.15%), Crude lipid (2.44 - 11.17%), Crude Protein (27.2 – 36.78%) and Carbohydrate 38 – 47.74%). The wild vegetables contain appreciable amount of essential nutrient and mineral elements needed for the maintenance of good nutritional status and thus can compete favorably with commonly consumed vegetables.

Exploitation of ethnoecologically important wild trees by two ethnic groups in a community-based Hippopotamus Sanctuary in Northwestern Ghana

Use of wild tree species by smallholder farmers for various purposes is crucially important for their daily livelihoods. However, the growing demand for these natural resources could lead to their overexploitation and environmental change. The aims of this ethnobotanical research in the Wechiau Community-based Hippopotamus Sanctuary (WCHS) were to i) document wild tree species, uses and analyze their cultural importance, ii) investigate socio-demographic variables of smallholder farmers influencing their traditional knowledge on wild tree species and uses, and iii) examine smallholder farmers ' perceptions about the establishment of the WCHS. To attain the above-stated aims, 135 smallholder farmers were interviewed in nine villages belonging to the Waala and Birfor ethnic groups. The primary data were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis (using Cognitive Salience index reflecting cultural importance, univariate and use value analysis). Given the results of this study, the WCHS is enriched with 43 ethnoecologically important wild tree species belonging to 22 families and 41 genera. This study showed that eight topmost wild tree species in descending order of cultural importance included Vitellaria paradoxa, Burkea Africana, Diospyrous mespiliformis, Bombax costatum, Parkia biglobosa, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Terminalia avicennioides and Acacia gourmaensis. It is also established in this paper that the family cultural importance for Fabaceae and Sapotaceae is predominantly high as reflected in the frequency and ranking of citations of wild tree species under these families by local informants. The 43 wild tree species cited by local informants were categorized into nine different uses including food (9 species), forage (30), firewood (40), medicine (6), construction (9), soil improvement (3), social use (2), gardening (5) and fiber/ropes (2). Among these use categories, firewood, forage, food and construction topped the list as the most culturally important to the smallholder farmers. It is also revealed that the traditional knowledge on varied wild tree species and their uses was significantly affected by age of smallholder farmers (ps < 0.05), but not ethnicity and other factors. This study thus suggests the need for community-based conservation measures for sustainable management of natural resources for rural livelihood improvement in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Edible Leafy Vegetables from West Africa (Guinea-Bissau): Consumption, Trade and Food Potential.

Wild Edible Plants are common in the diet of rural communities of sub-Saharan Africa. In Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, wild plant resources are widely used in human diet, but very few studies have addressed them. The aim of this study is to reveal: (1) the wild and semi-cultivated leafy vegetables consumed in Guinea-Bissau; and (2) the nutritional composition of those plants traded at the largest country market in Bissau. Our results revealed that 24 native or naturalized species with edible leaves are currently consumed by Guinea-Bissau population. Five of them were found at the market: dried leaves of Adansonia digitata, Bombax costatum and Sesamum radiatum, and fresh leaves and shoots of Amaranthus hybridus and Hibiscus sabdariffa. The analysis of the nutritional properties revealed that leaves contain a significant amount of protein (10.1–21.0 g/100 g, dry basis), high values of macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as of phenolic compounds (13.1–40.3 mg GAE/g) and a considerable antioxidant capacity (DPPH 111.5–681.9 mg Eq Trolox). Although price and availability vary among the leafy vegetables analyzed, these traditional foods appear to be a good dietary component that can contribute to food security in Guinea-Bissau and in other West African countries, as these species are widely distributed in this region.

Energy Efficiency of Briquettes Derived from Three Agricultural Waste’s Charcoal Using Two Organic Binders

Waste management could contribute significantly to reducing environmental degradation. Studies showed that briquetting provides with or without binder helps to manage wastes as energy fuels. However, the properties of many binders are not investigated extensively. This work investigated the effect of two organic binders’ low rate on energy efficiency of Briquettes produced from charcoals of Tender Coconut Husks (TCH), Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) and Corn Cobs (CC). Bombax Costatum calyx (B) and Cissus Repens barks (C) were used separately as binders to elaborate briquettes. The briquettes were compared based on their energy efficiency parameters with wood charcoal as control. Energy efficiency parameters such as water boiling time (WBT), mass of biomass used (MB), burning rate (BR), temperature rise rate (TR) and maximum temperature in the furnace (Tmax) were measured from each biomass charcoal briquette and wood charcoal combustion. Water boiling test was applied to determine briquettes thermal properties. The results of WBT, BR, TR and Tmax were respectively within the ranges 3.4 - 12.3 min, 2.90 - 7.71 g/min, 4.63°C/s - 16.10°C/s and 623°C - 900°C. Corn Cobs charcoal briquettes with Bombax binder took the shortest time to boil water and also presented a high temperature rise rate and the highest maximum temperature. The lowest burning rates were obtained for Tender coconut husks charcoal briquettes with Cissus binder. They showed good material conservation for bombax bound briquettes. The results of our investigations showed that binders content increasing enhanced the thermomechanical stability and affected negatively the energy efficiency parameters of the studied briquettes.

Effect of temperature on seed germination of Bombax costatum Pellegr. &amp; Vuill. (Malvales: Malvaceae) from Ondo and Oyo States, Nigeria

Effect of temperature on seed germination of Bombax costatum Pellegr &amp; Vuill. (Malvales: Malvaceae), from four provenances in South Western Nigeria was investigated. A set of three replicates of 25 seeds per provenance were used for the experiment which was laid in a completely randomized block design. The seeds were exposed to fire temperature regimes for germination tests: 28 oC, 20 oC, 5 oC, 35 oC and 20 oC. Seed germination was recorded for 4 weeks. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Result showed that significant differences in seed germination under varying temperature regimes (P &lt; 0.05). Interaction effect between temperature and provenances was not significant (P &lt; 0.05). Seeds placed in ambient temperature had the highest mean number of germination (20.75) while the least mean value (0.17) was observed for cold room (-20 oC). B. costatum seeds should be exposed to ambient temperature so as to promote seed germination.

Acute toxicity studies and antibacterial evaluation of &lt;i&gt;Bombax costatum&lt;/i&gt; stem bark extracts

Bombax costatum belongs to the family Bombacaceae and is commonly called red-flowered silk-cotton tree or red kapok tree, the plant occurs from Senegal. In Nigeria, different parts of B. costatum are employed for various purposes. The extract from the bark is drunk or applied on the head for dizziness; and the gum resin from the bark is pulverized, mixed with oil and used to manage skin diseases such as “craw-craw”. This study showed that the, median lethal dose (LD 50 ) via oral route of the extracts was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg when administered orally in albino rats. The extracts of B. costatum stem bark was observed to posses s antibacterial activity against four out of the seven bacterial isolates that were used for the study. Ciprofloxacin was used as a control, and it has higher antibacterial activity as compared to the plant extracts. Although, the three extracts showed app reciable zones of inhibition (18-28 mm), the ethyl acetate extract exhibited a wider dimension (26-28mm) and prove to be the best as compared to the hexane and methanol extracts which showed (18-20 mm) and (22-25 mm) respectively. The results from the MIC and MBC also revealed that the ethyl acetate extract (6.25 and 12.5 mg/ml) had higher inhibitory strength than the hexane (25 and 50 mg/ml) and methanol (12 and 25 mg/ml) extracts. The results of this study provide scientific justification for the traditional uses of the stem bark in the treatment of infectious diseases and food poisoning. Keywords: Bombax costatum ; Stem bark; Antibacterial activity; Toxicity studies

Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet Stem Bark Extract Prevents Paracetamol and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet Stem Bark Extract Prevents Paracetamol and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

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

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.

Usages de Bombax costatum (Malvaceae) dans les terroirs riverains de la Réserve de biosphère de la Pendjari, République du Bénin

Bombax costatum (faux kapokier) est une espèce des zones soudaniennes peu étudiée et sous-utilisée. Cette étude a évalué les connaissances sur les usages de B. costatum en relation avec les facteurs socio-démographiques (âge et sexe) et le groupe socioculturel. À cet effet, 118 entretiens individuels semi-structurés ont été réalisés dans les terroirs riverains de la réserve de biosphère de la Pendjari au Bénin. La fréquence relative de citation, la valeur d’usage rapportée et l’indice d’importance culturelle ont été utilisés pour quantifier les usages et l’importance de l’espèce. Au total, 46 usages ont été recensés et classés en huit catégories d’usages dont les plus citées et ayant les valeurs d’importance culturelle les plus élevées sont les usages alimentaires et médicinaux. Le calice est la partie de plante la plus sollicitée pour les usages alimentaires ; il est de surcroît localement commercialisé. Les usages médicinaux impliquent plusieurs organes/parties (calice, feuille, écorce, graine et racine). Les connaissances sur les usages de B. costatum variaient significativement entre groupes socioculturels mais pas entre sexe et catégorie d’âges. En effet, les groupes socioculturels Berbas et Gourmantchés, contrairement aux Waamas, Natimbas et Peulhs, possédaient plus de connaissances sur les usages de B. costatum et avaient une préférence pour les usages alimentaires. La promotion des usages alimentaires de B. costatum peut être envisagée et ainsi servir de point de départ pour sa plus large valorisation. Les études futures devraient toutefois explorer d’autres régions d’occurrence de l’espèce et mettre l’accent sur la valeur nutritionnelle, les revenus générés par la plante, de même que sa propagation en vue de sa valorisation.

Spatially explicit multi-threat assessment of food tree species in Burkina Faso: A fine-scale approach.

Over the last decades agroforestry parklands in Burkina Faso have come under increasing demographic as well as climatic pressures, which are threatening indigenous tree species that contribute substantially to income generation and nutrition in rural households. Analyzing the threats as well as the species vulnerability to them is fundamental for priority setting in conservation planning. Guided by literature and local experts we selected 16 important food tree species (Acacia macrostachya, Acacia senegal, Adansonia digitata, Annona senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Bombax costatum, Boscia senegalensis, Detarium microcarpum, Lannea microcarpa, Parkia biglobosa, Sclerocarya birrea, Strychnos spinosa, Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ximenia americana, Ziziphus mauritiana) and six key threats to them (overexploitation, overgrazing, fire, cotton production, mining and climate change). We developed a species-specific and spatially explicit approach combining freely accessible datasets, species distribution models (SDMs), climate models and expert survey results to predict, at fine scale, where these threats are likely to have the greatest impact. We find that all species face serious threats throughout much of their distribution in Burkina Faso and that climate change is predicted to be the most prevalent threat in the long term, whereas overexploitation and cotton production are the most important short-term threats. Tree populations growing in areas designated as ‘highly threatened’ due to climate change should be used as seed sources for ex situ conservation and planting in areas where future climate is predicting suitable habitats. Assisted regeneration is suggested for populations in areas where suitable habitat under future climate conditions coincides with high threat levels due to short-term threats. In the case of Vitellaria paradoxa, we suggest collecting seed along the northern margins of its distribution and considering assisted regeneration in the central part where the current threat level is high due to overexploitation. In the same way, population-specific recommendations can be derived from the individual and combined threat maps of the other 15 food tree species. The approach can be easily transferred to other countries and can be used to analyze general and species specific threats at finer and more local as well as at broader (continental) scales in order to plan more selective and efficient conservation actions in time. The concept can be applied anywhere as long as appropriate spatial data are available as well as knowledgeable experts.

Evaluation of Bombax costatum Calyx Hydrogel as a Potential Insulin Delivery System

Evaluation of Bombax costatum Calyx Hydrogel as a Potential Insulin Delivery System

Integrative analysis of the West African Ceraceosorus africanus sp. nov. provides insights into the diversity, biogeography, and evolution of the enigmatic Ceraceosorales (Fungi: Ustilaginomycotina)

The order Ceraceosorales (Ustilaginomycotina) currently includes the single genus Ceraceosorus, with one species, Ceraceosorus bombacis, parasitic on Bombax ceiba in India. The diversity, biogeography, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships of this order are still relatively unknown. Here, a second species of Ceraceosorus is described from West Africa as a novel species, Ceraceosorus africanus, infecting Bombax costatum in Benin, Ghana, and Togo. This species produces conspicuous fructifications, similar to corticioid basidiomata when mature, but sorus-like in early stages of ontogenetic development. The fructifications cover much of the leaf surface and resemble leaf blight. This contrasts with the inconspicuous fructifications of C. bombacis comprising small spots scattered over the lower leaf surface that resemble leaf spot. Both species of Ceraceosorus differ in several micromorphological traits, infect different host plant species in widely separated geographical areas, and are separated by a considerable genetic distance in 28S rDNA and RPB2 genes. The distinct corticioid fructification of C. africanus is a unique morphological trait within the Ustilaginomycotina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a single gene dataset (D1/D2 28S rDNA) supported the monophyly of the two Ceraceosorus species and the Ceraceosorales and their placement within the Ustilaginomycotina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a multigene dataset (18S/5.8S/28S rDNA/RPB2/TEF1) revealed Exobasidium rhododendri (Exobasidiales) as the closest relative of Ceraceosorus, both clustering together with Entyloma calendulae (Entylomatales), indicating affinities to the Exobasidiomycetes. This phylogenetic placement is in agreement with ultrastructural characteristics (presence of local interaction zone and interaction apparatus) reported for the Ceraceosorales, Entylomatales, and Exobasidiales.

Local Perceptions of Food Plants in Eastern Burkina Faso

Ethnobotanical interviews on the use of food plants were conducted with 90 informants from two villages in eastern Burkina Faso. A total of 25 plant species and one type of stock cube were included in a structured questionnaire regarding use, importance, reasons behind use, changes in use, and preferences, followed by a supplementary semi-structured questionnaire about reasons behind use, changes, and preferences. Most species were highly used and considered important. Adansonia digitata L., Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet, Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don, and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. were particularly important and useful species. Tradition, taste, health, and the lack of other possibilities were main reasons for people using the plants. A decline in traditional food products and an emergence of new products were observed. Answers were strongly related to informants’ home-village and project-contact. There seems to be an extensive interest in health aspects and, consequently, a potential for an increased use of healthy traditional products if people are better informed about their nutritive qualities. Normal 0 21 false false false FR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tableau Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}