Valuing the African Cherry Tree

2010 marked the end of an important project for Bioversity and its partners in Africa looking at ways to sustainably conserve and use Prunus Africana, more commonly known as the African Cherry.

Prunus africana is an evergreen tree species that grows in the mountains of sub-Saharan Africa. Its high genetic diversity is especially prevalent in Kenya, Madagascar and Cameroon, where its medicinal properties have earned it a valued place in poor small-scale farming communities.

Chemicals extracted from the tree’s bark are used in a range of pharmaceutical products to treat enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), an extremely common condition that affects up to half of men aged over 50.

This market demand provided an important source of income for small-holder farming communities, especially in Cameroon. In 2007 alone, its annual export trade was worth 1.3 million euro, with around 4000 tonnes of bark exported annually to Europe.

But overharvesting led to a ban on international trade in 2007 - it had previously been listed on Annex II of the European Convention of International Trade Species endangered list (CITES) in 1995. Without this trade, many local communities struggle to earn any income, many of them living in harsh subsistence farming conditions.

But in spite of the continued ban, some have continued to plant seedlings and maintain the forests and the biodiversity contained within it, hoping it can be lifted and that community plans such as improved health and education facilities can be realized.

Mr Peter, a Cameroon farmer who has been planting Prunus africana trees for 18 years said “I do it because I love it but of course, I hope harvesting can begin again soon so I can earn a decent income for my family".