Ximenia americana

Ximenia americana
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Santalales
Family:	Olacaceae
Genus:	Ximenia
Species:	X. americana
Binomial name
Ximenia americana L.

Ximenia americana, commonly known as tallow wood,yellow plum or sea lemon, is a small sprawling tree of woodlands native to the tropics.

Leaves are oval shaped, bright green and have a strong smell of almonds. Flowers are pale in color. Fruits are lemon-yellow or orange-red.

The fruits have a pleasant plum-like flavor. In Asia, the young leaves are cooked as a vegetable. However, the leaves also contain cyanide and need to be thoroughly cooked, and should not be eaten in large amounts.

Ximenia americana was investigated by researchers from Nigeria's Ahmadu Bello University. In animal tests, it is showed some effect against the parasite that causes sleeping sickness and severe anaemia in livestock in many parts of Africa. The leaf extract is active against Escherischia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, and general glycosides were found in the extract. Indigenous people of Florida used the bark to treat sore muscles and gums.

The root also contains the fatty acids tariric acid and 10Z,14E,16E-octadeca-10,14,16-triene-12-ynoic acid.

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Wikipedia