Brosimum acutifolium

Brosimum acuifolia, commonly known as the "palo de sangre" or bloodwood, is a significant medicinal tree native to tropical forests. Renowned for its distinct reddish sap, various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional medicine to treat wounds, skin ailments, and inflammatory conditions, showcasing its valuable ethnobotanical importance.

  • Scientific name: Brosimum acutifolium
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Moraeaee and the genus Brosimum. Specifically, it is identified by the species name Brosimum acuifolium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Moraceae WCVP
Genus Brosimum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Brosimum acuifolium, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is often called the sharp-leaved brosimum, while in Spanish, it is widely recognized as el árbol de la sangre or sangre de grado. In Portuguese, the species is commonly known as sangue de dragão.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of South America. In Northern South America, it can be found inhabiting the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Its range also extends into the western portions of the continent. Specifically, the species is documented within the borders of Colombia. Additionally, the plant is present in the western South American nation of Bolivia.

Region Area Source
Northern South America French Guiana WCVP
Northern South America Guyana WCVP
Northern South America Suriname WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Ecuador WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Brosimum acuifolium, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, specifically involving the trunk bark and the general bark. In traditional herbal practices, the bark harvested from the trunk is often processed to extract bioactive compounds used in treating various ailments. By utilizing both the specific trunk bark and the broader bark of the tree, practitioners can access the essential phytochemicals necessary for its therapeutic applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
trunk bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Brosimum acutifolium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acutifolin A.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Acutifolin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆