Sterculia setigera Delile is a valuable, drought-tolerant, deciduous tree native to the Sahel-Sudan and Guinea savanna zones of tropical Africa, commonly known for its medicinal gum and edible seeds. It is a member of the Malvaceae family and can grow up to 15–30 meters tall.
Gum, bark, and leaves are used to treat malaria, jaundice, diarrhea, fever, respiratory issues, wounds, and skin infections, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-plasmodial properties.
The seeds are roasted and eaten for their high protein and oil content, and the gum is used as a thickener or emulsifier in cooking.
The gum is harvested for trade, the bark is used for ropes and mats, the wood as fodder, and the tree holds socio-economic and cultural significance in sub-Saharan Africa.
The tree is mainly propagated by seeds, often soaked to improve germination, and can be grown using vegetative or tissue culture techniques like micrografting.
