Macaranga beillei is a species of large shrub or small tree in the family Euphorbiaceae. It was first described by the botanist David Prain in 1910 (published in Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Kew 1910: 239).
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes (Vascular plants)
- Clade: Angiospermae (Flowering plants)
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Genus: Macaranga
- Species: M. beillei
- Binomial name: Macaranga beillei Prain
Distribution and Habitat Macaranga beillei is endemic to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West tropical Africa, with its range extending into the Côte d'Ivoire–Ghana forest block. It is a forest species confined to coastal (littoral) forests. The species has a very restricted distribution area, primarily in the Abidjan–Dabou region. The Banco National Park is considered its last major refuge.
Description The plant grows as a shrub or small tree reaching up to 5 meters in height. It is a dioecious species (male and female flowers occur on separate plants).
Conservation Status Macaranga beillei is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (1998 assessment). The estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 5,849 km², and the area of occupancy (AOO) is about 72 km². The species is threatened primarily by anthropogenic activities, including agricultural expansion, urbanization, and habitat degradation. Climate change is also projected to reduce its potential distribution area by an estimated 6,696 km² by 2050. A 2022 study found that of 38 historical samples collected in Banco National Park between 1905 and 2002, only 4 individuals were relocated, indicating an imminent risk of local disappearance.
Uses The plant is used in traditional medicine. The crushed leaves, combined with the aerial parts of Scleria boivinii and vegetable salt made from the bark of Calpocalyx aubrevillei, are wrapped in leaves of Thaumatococcus daniellii, cooked, and the decoction is drunk as a treatment for cough. The stem is also used as firewood (energy source).
Vernacular Names (in Côte d'Ivoire)
- Abbey: tchôfê
- Ebrié: êbouê
- Agni: êgba
- Gouro: fônôfê
- Adjoukrou: tôrôh
- Malinké: wangnaga brou
- Djimini: trô wangnaga
- Djoula: kôgnonranbrou masramousso
Propagation Research published in 2023 demonstrated successful vegetative propagation of M. beillei through stem cuttings. A mean vegetative regrowth rate of 66.66% was achieved, with the best results obtained using composted substrate (made from quail droppings and wood chips). This technique has been proposed as a conservation strategy for the species.
