Okoubaka aubrevillei

Cultivation Details

Natural regeneration is poor, because the fruits and seeds are eaten by porcupines^[1]. In southern Nigeria, Okoubaka aubrevillei is an important tree in religious ceremonies^[1]. It is considered to be a mystery plant in Cote D'Ivoire, and nobody would fell it. It belongs to a family of plants that includes many parasitic and hemiparasitic species and is said to kill trees around its growth place, though it has not been proven to be parasitic^[2]. Okoubaka aubrevillei is a hemi-parasitic plant. Within 6 months after germination, when nutrient reserves in the seed become depleted, the roots attach themselves to those of nearby plants by means of haustoria. However, one year after germination no differences were found in growth and foliar nutrient concentrations between plants growing with and those without hosts. The hosts, however, showed increased mortality or reduced growth. Hence, the apparent benefit which this species gains from the parasitic association is killing potential competitors for water, light and nutrients. The only tree species surviving close to it are Myrianthus arboreus and Musanga cecropioides^[1].