Home > Herbs > Balanites Maughamii

Torchwood

Balanites maughamii · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Torchwood, scientifically known as Balanites maughamii, is a resilient desert shrub renowned for its significant ethnobotanical value. Native to arid regions, this plant provides essential medicinal properties, particularly in treating skin ailments and inflammatory conditions. Its ability to thrive in harsh environments makes it a vital resource in traditional medicine.

Family
Zygophyllaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Manduro · Torchwood · 3 more
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Balanites maughamii

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 categorized under the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Balaenites.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Zygophyllales WCVP
Family Zygophyllaceae WCVP
Genus Balanites WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across the African continent, spanning both East and South Tropical Africa. In the East Tropical region, its presence is recorded in Kenya and Tanzania. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, its range extends into South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Malawi and Mozambique. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Zambia.

Region Area Source
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Caprivi Strip WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Southern Africa Eswatini WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Balanites aegyptiaca (often referred to in similar contexts as Balanites maughamii), utilizes its various anatomical structures for both biological functions and medicinal applications, with the leaves playing a significant role. The leaves are typically compound and pinnate, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis to fuel the plant's growth. In traditional medicine, these leaves are frequently harvested and used in decoctions or poultices to treat various ailments, including skin inflammations and digestive issues, demonstrating how the plant's vegetative components are integral to its therapeutic value.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
leaf Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Balanites maughamii has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Condensed Tannins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins.

Chemicals reported in Balanites maughamii
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Condensed Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Phenols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Saponins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Terpenoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Condensed Tannins

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoids

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Phenols

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Saponins

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Tannins

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Terpenoids

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
methanol and distilled water extracts Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆