Alseodaphne semecarpifolia

Alseodaphne semecarpifolia, commonly known as the Mountain Daphne, is a distinctive evergreen shrub native to the rainforests of Eastern Australia. Renowned for its striking, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage, this medicinal plant is valued in traditional ethnobotany for its unique chemical properties and its role in regional biodiversity.

  • Scientific name: Alseodaphne semecarpifolia
  • Family: Lauraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Alséodaphne, specifically as the species Alséodaphne semecarpifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Laurales WCVP
Family Lauraceae WCVP
Genus Alseodaphne WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Alsedaohapne semecarpifolia, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Malayalam, it is called മുളകുനാറി, while in Chinese, it is identified as 半果叶油丹 (also written as 半果葉油丹 in Taiwan and 半果叶油丹 in mainland China). Additionally, in Malay, the plant is known as medang lebar daun.
Language Common Name Source
ml മുളകുനാറി Wikidata
zh 半果叶油丹 Wikidata
zh-cn 半果叶油丹 Wikidata
zh-tw 半果葉油丹 Wikidata
ms medang lebar daun Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Alsedaophne semecarpifolia, exhibits a specific range within the Indian Subcontinent. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated in the diverse landscapes of India. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the tropical regions of Sri Lanka. These two countries represent the primary geographical extent for its native distribution. Therefore, its presence is closely tied to the environmental conditions found across these specific South Asian territories.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Alsedaophne semecarpifolia, possesses specific botanical components that are of interest in medicinal studies. The stem bark is a significant part of the plant's structure, often containing various chemical compounds used in traditional applications. Additionally, the leaves serve as another vital part, providing a distinct surface area for photosynthesis and housing secondary metabolites that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Alseodaphne semecarpifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Baicalein, Icariin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Baicalein 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Icariin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Alseodaphne semecarpifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆