Annona papilionella

Annona papiillonella, commonly known as the butterfly custard apple, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, it possesses unique phytochemical properties used to treat various ailments. This study explores its therapeutic potential, focusing on its bioactive compounds and its role in natural pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Annona papilionella
  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Magnoliales, it falls into the family Annonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Annona, specifically as the species Annona papiilionella.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Magnoliales WCVP
Family Annonaceae WCVP
Genus Annona WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Annona papillionella, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the butterfly custard apple, while in Spanish, it is known as guanábana de mariposa. In Portuguese, it is called guanábana de mariposa, and in French, it is referred to as annone papillon.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across both Central and South America. Within the Central American region, it can be found growing in Costa Rica and Honduras. Its presence also extends through Nicaragua and into Panamá. Moving toward Western South America, the species is documented in Bolivia. Consequently, its natural range spans multiple diverse ecological zones across the continent.

Region Area Source
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Ecuador WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Annona papillionella, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in various traditional medicinal applications. These leaves are often harvested for their bioactive compounds, which are believed to possess specific therapeutic properties used in folk medicine to treat different ailments.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Annona papilionella has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antiplasmodial, Antiprotozoal.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplasmodial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆