African Greenheart (Warburgia ugandensis) wood. New entry!

Scientific name: Warburgia ugandensis

Family: Canellaceae

Tradicional name: Ugandan pepper tree, Greenheart

Warburgia ugandensis goes by different vernacular names in the continent; It is called mkaa in Swahili, East African green wood, East African green heart, pepperbark and Kenyan green heart in English. In Amharic it is called zogdom, mukuzanume in Luganda and abwach in Karamoja.

Human Uses

The Ugandan pepper tree has a rich history of use among local communities. The leaves are often used as a spice, adding a unique flavor to dishes. In traditional medicine, the leaves and bark are utilized for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the wood is valued for its durability and is often used in construction and furniture making.

Warburgia ugandensis bark and root extracts are used for a variety of ailments in Africa ranging from coughs, constipation, inflammation, skin irritation, hernia, respiratory diseases, odontological problems and sexual dysfunctions.

Antifungal properties
Warburgia ugandensis bark extracts exhibits very strong antifungal properties against yeasts and fungi including; candida albicans (which causes candidiasis). It is also strongly potent against, Candida utilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Sclerotinia libertiana.

Tenacity on the mouillette: Over 24h

Note: Base

Aroma:

Despite being the essential oil of its wood, this rare essence expresses fresh, pure notes, almost with marine or slightly floral overtones. I don’t know why, but when I smell these essences, I’m reminded of the marshy areas of Uganda, where the Nile River rises, a fascinating land of papyrus fields. I’ve attached a photo to illustrate the idea. But that’s just my thought-smell association from a trip I took in 2018.