Aralia melanocarpa

Aralia melanocarpa, commonly known as the African devilwood, is a significant medicinal shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin infections, offering valuable insights into ethnobotanical research.

  • Scientific name: Aralia melanocarpa
  • Family: Araliaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Aralia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Araliaceae WCVP
Genus Aralia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Aralia melanocarpa, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is known by the names 黑果土当归 and 白九股牛, while in Arabic, it is called أراليا سوداء الثمار.
Language Common Name Source
zh 黑果土当归 Wikidata
ar أراليا سوداء الثمار Wikidata
zh 白九股牛 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Aralia melanocarpa, exhibits a specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the southern regions of China. More specifically, the species can be found throughout the South-Central part of the country. This particular distribution pattern suggests that the plant thrives in the unique environmental conditions of this territory. Consequently, researchers focusing on this species primarily direct their field studies toward these South-Central Chinese provinces.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Aralia melanocarpa, contains medicinal properties that are primarily concentrated within its roots. These underground structures are often harvested and utilized in traditional healing practices due to their unique bioactive compounds. By studying the chemical composition of the roots, researchers can better understand the plant's therapeutic potential and its specific contributions to herbal medicine.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Aralia melanocarpa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Aralia melanocarpa 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 ★☆☆☆☆