Capparis erythrocarpos
Capparis erythrocarpos, commonly known as the red-fruited caper, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to arid regions. Renowned for its therapeutic potential, this plant contains bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues. Its unique berries and leaves offer significant pharmacological interest for modern studies.
- Scientific name: Capparis erythrocarpos
- Family: Capparaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Brassicales and the family Capparaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Capparis, specifically as the species Capparis erythrocarpos.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Capparaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Capparis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Capparis erythrocarpos, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the red-fruited caper. Within Arabic-speaking regions, it is frequently called al-kabus or al-kabash. In the context of Swahili, it is identified as mkaratusi.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, the species is present across the territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Its range also extends into the country of Guinea, marking its presence in these neighboring nations. Collectively, these locations define the primary natural habitat for Capparis erythrocarpos.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Capparis erythrocarpos, possesses various anatomical structures that contribute to its medicinal properties. The stems provide the structural framework for the shrub, supporting the growth of its foliage and reproductive organs. Below the surface, the roots anchor the plant and facilitate nutrient uptake, while the specific extraction of the root bark is often of particular interest in traditional applications. Additionally, the leaves serve as the primary site for photosynthesis, playing a vital role in the overall vitality and chemical composition of the species.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Capparis erythrocarpos has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include daucosterol.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| daucosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Capparis erythrocarpos has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiarthritic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarthritic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Capparis erythrocarpos has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, pain, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |