Banisteriopsis malifolia

Banisteriopsis malifolia, commonly known as the "tree of life" in certain Amazonian traditions, is a significant medicinal vine. Renowned for its potent phytochemical properties, it is used by indigenous communities to treat diverse ailments, ranging from inflammation to neurological conditions, offering a rich subject for ethnobotanical research.

  • Scientific name: Banisteriopsis malifolia
  • Family: Malpighiaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malpighiaceae within the genus Banisteriopsis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Malpighiaceae WCVP
Genus Banisteriopsis WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across the South American continent. Within Western South America, its presence is specifically noted in Bolivia. In Brazil, the species is widely spread across several distinct ecological regions. It can be found throughout the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. Additionally, the plant is documented within the West-Central part of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP

Chemicals

Banisteriopsis malifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆