Breynia oblongifolia

Breynia oblongifolia, commonly known as the Snowbush, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its striking variegated foliage, it is frequently used in ornamental landscaping. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical importance, with various cultures utilizing its properties for traditional medicinal purposes.

  • Scientific name: Breynia oblongifolia
  • Family: Phyllanthaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, it is identified as a member of the genus Breynia.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Breynia oblongifolia, is referred to by the common name Dempollelet in the Javanese language (jv).
Language Common Name Source
jv Dempollelet Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range spanning several distinct regions across the Indo-Pacific. Within the Malesia zone, its presence is noted throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands. The species also extends into Papuasia, where it can be found in New Guinea. In Australia, its distribution covers significant portions of the northern and eastern territories. Specifically, it inhabits the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales.

Region Area Source
Malesia Lesser Sunda Is. WCVP
Papuasia New Guinea WCVP
Australia New South Wales WCVP
Australia Northern Territory WCVP
Australia Queensland WCVP

Chemicals

Breynia oblongifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Breynia oblongifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Breynia oblongifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, wounds.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 1 ★☆☆☆☆