Baillonella toxisperma

Baillonella toxisperma
Baillonella toxisperma
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Sapotaceae
Genus: Baillonella
Species: B. toxisperma
Binomial name
Baillonella toxisperma
Pierre

Baillonella toxisperma (also called African Pearwood, Djave Nut, or Moabi) is a species of plant in the Sapotaceae family. It is found in Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss[1][2]. The Moabi tree's nut oil is a key component of Baka and other indigenous people's subsistence [2].

The Home Depot (a major building products retailer) has decided not to sell products made with Baillonella toxisperma wood.

References

  1. ^ White, L. 1998. Baillonella toxisperma. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 20 August 2007.
  2. ^ a b BBC News (Science): Consumers must stop forest destruction