Contents
Description
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) is a tree that is native to Africa. It belongs to the family Rosaceae and is commonly known as African cherry. The bark of this tree has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat various health conditions, including urinary problems and prostate enlargement. Pygeum is now widely used in modern medicine and is available in the form of supplements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Pygeum |
Appearance
Pygeum is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The bark of the tree is dark brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged in a spiral pattern. The flowers of the tree are small and white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a small red drupe that contains a single seed.
Care Guide
Pygeum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Pygeum tree:
- Water: Pygeum trees prefer moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Pygeum trees do not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want to give them a boost.
- Soil: Pygeum trees can grow in a variety of soils, but they prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Pygeum trees can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer full sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Pygeum trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pygeum trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by a few common issues:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot and defoliation in Pygeum trees. It can be treated with fungicide.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from Pygeum leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf discoloration and deformation in Pygeum trees. They can be treated with miticide.
Habitat
Pygeum trees are native to the montane regions of Africa, where they grow in moist, mountainous forests. They are often found at high elevations, between 1000 and 3500 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Pygeum?
A: Pygeum has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It is commonly used to treat urinary problems and prostate enlargement in men.
Q: Can Pygeum be used to treat hair loss?
A: There is some evidence to suggest that Pygeum can help prevent hair loss by inhibiting the production of a hormone called DHT, which is linked to hair loss in men.
Q: Is Pygeum safe to use?
A: Pygeum is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, it may cause mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and headache in some people.
Q: Can Pygeum be grown as a houseplant?
A: Pygeum is not well-suited to indoor growing, as it requires full sunlight and a large amount of space to grow properly.
Related Plants
- Prunus africana
- Sorbus aucuparia
- Amelanchier alnifolia
References
- Pygeum africanum. (2021). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/Pygeum-africanum
- Pygeum africanum. (2021). In Plants For A Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pygeum+africanum
- Pygeum. (2021). In WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1137/pygeum
