new documentary by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster, gives a snapshot of the status of the African cherry tree, Prunus africana, in the Aberdare highlands of Kenya. The bark of P. africana is highly sought after for its medicinal activity, most famously its action against prostate conditions. Liquid extracts of the bark are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (swollen prostate), which can predispose a person to prostate cancer.

Focusing on a traditional healer and two women —a farmer and a biochemistry postgraduate—the video, titled ‘Saving Kenya’s anti-cancer tree,’ chronicles some of the work being done to conserve this valuable but endangered tree species. Read more. . .