Compilation
Cochlospermum planchonii

A shrub to about 2–2.5 m high, widespread in the Region from Senegal to W Cameroons, and into E Cameroun; with bright yellow flowers borne basally as in C. tinctorium but the two species are distinguishable on time of flowering, C. planchoni during the rainy season, C. tinctorium in the dry season.The stem-bark yields a fibre which is used in northern Sierra Leone (8) and in N Nigeria (3, 4, 6) for making string and rope. It is cultivated spasmodically by the Chambas of the Vogel Peak area of N Nigeria who use the threaded seeds as beads (3, 4).The root is a source of a yellow dye which is used in Sudan (9) and in Nupe and elsewhere (5). Hausas in N Nigeria add indigo to obtain green shades (9).The root is used in Lagos in cooking soup when oil is not available (1). A root-decoction is drunk in northern Sierra Leone as a gonorrhoea treatment (2). An extract of the plant (part not stated) is said to control menstruation (9), and the plant has unspecified medicinal uses in east Senegal (7).The Fula of N Nigeria claim that a leaf-infusion bestows magical protection (6).