Nile Tulip

Scientific name: Markhamia lutea

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.38″ N, 64° 49′ 51.36″ W

Medicinal Uses

Markhamia lutea, the Nile Tulip or Mugunyu, is used in traditional medicine for skin ailments (sores, itch, wounds), pain relief (toothache, headache, menstrual cramps), digestive issues (diarrhea, stomachache, malaria), and as a diuretic, with roots, bark, and leaves offering various remedies, including for convulsion in children and even HIV/AIDS symptoms in Uganda, though scientific validation is ongoing.

Key Medicinal Uses:

Skin & Wounds: Pounded leaves and bark used as poultices or lotions for skin affections, sores, itch, and wounds.
Pain Relief: Leaves and bark treated for toothache (as gargle), headache, and menstrual cramps; roots for general pain.
Digestive & Internal: Decoctions for stomachaches, diarrhea (including watery/bloodless), cough, and as a diuretic for edema/elephantiasis.
Children’s Ailments: Roots for convulsions, young shoots for throat complaints.
Malaria & Parasitic: Leaf extracts used for malaria; roots/bark for parasitic diseases.
Other Uses: Used for asthma, snakebites, lumbago, and as a component in AIDS symptom management in Uganda.

Plant Parts Used:

Leaves: Skin treatments, toothache, cough, malaria, snakebites.
Bark: Toothache, skin issues, cough, asthma, venereal diseases.
Roots: Diuretic, edema, convulsions, venereal diseases, AIDS symptoms.

Scientific Findings:

Extracts show anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6).
Demonstrated curative properties against intestinal toxicity (e.g., from paclitaxel) in studies, reducing diarrhea and promoting tissue regeneration.
Contains flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and phytosterols, which contribute to its effects.
Generally low acute toxicity in tested doses.

Disclaimer: These are traditional uses; scientific research is ongoing, and consult healthcare professionals before using herbal remedies.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Markhamia lutea

Common Name: Nile Tulip Tree, Yellow Bell Bean Tree
Scientific Name: Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K.Schum.
Family: Bignoniaceae

Leaf Phenology

Leaf Type: Compound (pinnate or trifoliate), large, glossy green leaflets with prominent veins
Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Generally evergreen in wet tropical climates; may become semi-deciduous in prolonged dry periods
Leaf Flush: New growth emerges periodically, often in response to rain or after flowering
Senescence: Older leaves yellow and drop gradually; more noticeable after fruiting or in dry seasons

Flowering

Inflorescence: Terminal panicles of large, trumpet-shaped golden yellow flowers with maroon markings in the throat
Blooming Period: Typically late dry to early rainy season; flowering can be intermittent or prolonged depending on climate
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and sunbirds
Phenological Indicator: Showy clusters of yellow flowers at branch tips, often with fallen blooms forming a yellow carpet beneath

Fruiting

Fruit Type: Long, slender, cylindrical capsule (up to 40 cm), brown and woody when mature
Fruit Development: Begins after flowering; takes several months to mature
Dispersal: Wind dispersal via papery-winged seeds released when capsules split open
Phenological Indicator: Hanging brown seed pods visible against canopy; open pods with papery seeds may persist or fall

Suggested Photo Angles

Full tree showing upright habit and terminal flower clusters
Close-up of compound leaves and leaf flush
Bright yellow flower clusters with visible maroon throat markings
Developing and mature seed pods (closed and split)
Fallen flowers or seeds beneath tree

Notes for Monitoring

Observe leaf flush → flowering → fruiting → pod split as a useful phenological cycle

Markhamia lutea is fast-growing and often planted as an ornamental or shade tree in tropical urban and garden settings

Its bright yellow flowers and tall capsules make it an ideal subject for seasonal tracking

Flowering may occur multiple times per year depending on rainfall patterns and pruning