Okoubaka Aubrevillei (Pelleg & Norman): A Synthesis of Existing Knowledge for Research and Conservation in West and Central Africa

Abstract

Okoubaka aubrevillei is the largest parasitic plant known to man. It is a tropical tree species distributed within West and Central Africa. Concerns were drawn to the tree because of its rarity, disjunct distribution in all its native range, paucity of published scientific information and its hemi-parasitic potentials. This article gathered and synthesized all existing scientific information on the tree to provide a solid foundation for further research on the tree. This article provided detailed information on its name etymology, taxonomic history, and geographical distribution including new locations for the tree, ecological significance and behaviour within its range, supported with an updated map illustrating its distribution within West and Central Africa. The possible causes of its rarity in its range were identified and its hemi-parasitic behaviour was hypothesized. In addition, ethnobotanical uses of the tree, symbolism and dendrolatry, and its significance in modern medicine were extensively discussed. The paper concluded with highlights on prospects for immediate conservation, management and research focus areas for the tree species.