This is a tree growing in the Sahel region and that can reach up to 14 m. It may also grow like a bush. The leaves of the tree are thick and have leather like texture being sticky on the upper surface, and almost white and hairy on the underside. This plant also produce small leaves of a different shape and texture on the same plant. In West Africa this is one of the most used medicinal plants and is in some regions said that it is the plant that never disappoints. Traditional uses reported are as a diuretic, a cholagogue, against bronchitis, severe cough, cold, stomach spasms and treatment of wounds. The leaves are also reported to be used against metroragi, gonorrhea and syncope . Relatively little research has been perfomed on this tree despite its frequent use over whole West Africa. A water extract of the leaves was shown to have antitussive effect when tested on guineapigs. A dose of 1g/kg animal of the freezedried water extract gave similar effect as a dose of 100 mg codein per kg animal.
