Top 20 Most Common Plants in Cameroon

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Cameroon

In Cameroon, you can find Pearl millet, Cowpea, Grain sorghum, African oil palm, Chinese hibiscus, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Pearl millet

1. Pearl millet

An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.

Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual grain legume that is an important crop in many regions. The plant has been used as forage for animals and for cow feed. It can be short and bushy or grow as a long vine up to 2 m tall. The edible seeds and seed pods are very small and kidney-shaped.

Grain sorghum

3. Grain sorghum

The grain of grain sorghum is utilized for human consumption, animal feed, and ethanol manufacturing. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, originating in Africa. The grain is used to make liquor, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol, among other things.

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African oil palm

4. African oil palm

African oil palm is a tall palm (up to 20 m tall), widely cultivated for oil production. The oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit and the kernel (seed). It is native to west and southwest Africa, but it's naturalized in many parts of the world.

Chinese hibiscus

5. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Asian Rice

Asian Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops. This annual grass, which was first domesticated in China centuries ago, accounts for a significant portion of the diet of half of the world's population. Aside from food, this plant is grown for use in wines, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also used in crafts and religious ceremonies worldwide.

Madagascar periwinkle

7. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Maize

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Moringa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach impressive heights. In its native country of India, the moringa is popularly cultivated and harvested for its fruit and leaves. These components of the tree are then used as a source of food and oil extracted from the tree can be incorporated into cosmetics.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) comes from South America but has become a major source of carbohydrates for many peoples around the world. This is especially true in low-income areas since it is cheap to grow. Only when properly cooked the starchy root of it is edible. The rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten. Cassava's natural starches are also useful in laundry products, and it is under investigation as a source of biofuel as well.

Common bean

12. Common bean

Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Wild custard apple

15. Wild custard apple

Wild custard apple is a common fruit in African markets, sought for its pineapple-like smell, sweet taste and use for flavoring ice cream and other treats. It is also frequently grazed by livestock, and its bark is sometimes used to make insecticides.

Air potato

Ancient Polynesians carried air potato to Hawaii in their canoes. They only ate it in times of famine, because the bulbs can be poisonous. Multiple bulbils grow from the vines, each of which is capable of rooting and generating another vine. The speed with which air potato grows allows it to out-compete other species.

Mission grass

17. Mission grass

Mission grass (Cenchrus polystachios) is a tough and quick-spreading grass that is distinctive because of its dark red flowering seed heads. This dense-growing grass is used as a first-growth plant to stabilize loose soil. Mission grass is also used to make paper.

Golden dewdrops

18. Golden dewdrops

Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.

Plumed cockscomb

19. Plumed cockscomb

The plumed cockscomb is a bright plant with recognizable red, pink, or purple flowers. It grows best in warm, tropical environments. Occasionally, plumed cockscomb is used as an ingredient in soap. In China and India, however, the plant is considered a pesky weed that reduces biodiversity.

Shame plant

20. Shame plant

The Sensitive plant is aptly named for its distinctive response of curling up when touched, whereby its fernlike leaves fold inward. Although its purple fuzzy flowers make it a charming indoor plant, it is important to note that the plant contains alkaloids that can be harmful to both humans and animals.

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More Plants in Cameroon

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Cameroon's humid tropical climate, dense rainforests, and varying altitudes form an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including toxic species. With heavy rainfall and rich soil, conditions are ripe for the prevalence of poisonous plants like , , and . The region's biodiversity includes a multitude of plants with toxic properties presenting potential risks to local communities and ecosystems.

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Most Common Flowers

Cameroon's diverse climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these are , , and . These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold cultural and ecological significance. While not delving into specific details about each flower, their presence in Cameroon highlights the country's rich floral heritage.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring awakens Cameroon's landscape, a spectrum of flowers burst into life, benefiting from the mild temperatures and rejuvenating rains. Among this colorful display, , , and begin their seasonal bloom, each adding a unique hue and symbolism to the nation's rich flora. These flowers not only signify the rebirth associated with Spring but also contribute to local customs and biodiversity.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Cameroon, Spring breathes life into the land, offering a mix of warm sunshine and nourishing rains that galvanize the fruit plants into a burst of growth and ripeness. During this season, trees and shrubs awaken, showcasing the vibrancy of fresh fruits ready to be harvested. Notably, , , and reach their peak, providing locals with a bounty of flavors that encapsulate the essence of Spring’s rejuvenating influence on nature.

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Most Common Fruits

Cameroon's humid tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an optimal environment for a plethora of fruit plants. The country's diverse ecosystems range from coastlines to highlands, which support the growth of distinct local fruit varieties. Among these, , , and stand out not only for their agricultural value but also for their deep-seated cultural significance. These fruits form a staple part of the diet and hold a special place in traditional ceremonies and local economies.

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Most Common Trees

Cameroon's diverse climatic and soil conditions foster the growth of numerous native trees. Among the emblematic species, , , and dominate the landscape. These trees hold great ecological and cultural importance in the region. They provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and serve as sources of food, medicine, and timber for local communities. Cameroon's rich tree diversity reflects its vibrant ecosystem and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

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Most Common Weeds

In Cameroon's diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, conditions are ripe for the proliferation of garden weeds. Notable for their resilience and rapid growth, , , and pose significant challenges to local gardeners and horticulturalists. These ubiquitous weeds often require persistent management efforts to prevent them from outcompeting cultivated plants and disturbing the ecological balance of garden landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Within Cameroon's diverse ecosystem, ranging from coastal beaches to dense rainforests and savanna grasslands, certain arboreal giants thrive under the equatorial climate's abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. Amongst these, , , and stand as monuments to natural grandeur, soaring skywards and anchoring the ecological narrative with their ecological significance and historical prominence. These chlorophyll-infused colossuses not only dominate the canopy but are pivotal in fostering biodiversity and maintaining crucial forest dynamics.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Cameroon brings a serene cold that surprisingly fosters the growth of certain flowers. Amidst the frosty environment, , , and brave the chill, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter blooms add a touch of color and symbolize the strength of nature in the face of adversity. Explore Cameroon's winter wonderland and discover the captivating flower plants that bloom during this season.

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