Aglaia odorata

Chinese perfume tree

Aglaia odorata, commonly known as the fragrant Aglaias, is a tropical evergreen tree celebrated for its sweet, jasmine-like blossoms. Native to Southeast Asia, this medicinal plant is traditionally valued in herbal practices for its aromatic properties and potential therapeutic benefits, offering a unique blend of beauty and botanical utility.

  • Scientific name: Aglaia odorata
  • Family: Meliaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Sapindales, it is a member of the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Aglaiat.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Meliaceae WCVP
Genus Aglaia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Aglaiia odorata, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic and cultural contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 米仔兰 (zh-hans), while in Traditional Chinese (zh-hant) and the Cantonese-speaking regions of Hong Kong (zh-hk), it is known as 米仔蘭. In the context of the Bishnupriya Manipuri language, it is called Culan (bjn), and in Indonesia, it is commonly known as Pacar cina (id).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 米仔兰 Wikidata
zh-hant 米仔蘭 Wikidata
zh-hk 米仔蘭 Wikidata
bjn Culan Wikidata
id Pacar cina Wikidata
vi Ngâu Tàu Wikidata
th ประยงค์ Wikidata
lt Kvapnioji aglaja Wikidata
zh 米仔蘭 Wikidata
ar أغلايا ذات رائحة Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several specific regions in Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the Hainan province as well as throughout China Southeast. Moving into the Indo-China region, the species can be found growing in Cambodia. It also maintains a distribution within the borders of Laos. Finally, the plant is documented to inhabit various areas of Thailand.

Region Area Source
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Chinese Perfume Plant, utilizes various components for its medicinal and aromatic properties. The leaves are particularly significant, often being used in traditional practices due to their distinct scent and bioactive compounds. Additionally, the stems serve as the structural foundation of the plant, supporting the lush foliage and transporting essential nutrients throughout its woody framework.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Aglaia odorata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include rocaglaol, cerebrosides, cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran, polyphenols, pyrimidinone.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
rocaglaol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cerebrosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pyrimidinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Aglaia odorata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HSV-1, Pyricularia grisea, colorectal cancer.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
HSV-1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pyricularia grisea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colorectal cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆