Catalpa ovata

Catalpa ovata, commonly known as the Eastern Catalpa, is a striking deciduous tree prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white blooms. While primarily ornamental, its unique properties have historically garnered interest in traditional medicine, offering potential therapeutic benefits through its diverse chemical compounds and botanical characteristics.

  • Scientific name: Catalpa ovata
  • Family: Bignoniaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Bignoniaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Catalpa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Bignoniaceae WCVP
Genus Catalpa WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Catalpa ovata, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is called 梓树 (zh-hans), 梓樹 (zh-hant), and 梓樹 (zh-hk). In Japanese, the species is known as キササゲ (ja), while in Poland, it is commonly called Surmia żółtokwiawtowa (pl).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 梓树 Wikidata
zh-hant 梓樹 Wikidata
zh-hk 梓樹 Wikidata
ja キササゲ Wikidata
pl Surmia żółtokwiatowa Wikidata
ko 개오동 Wikidata
az Yumurtavari katalpa Wikidata
zh 梓树 Wikidata
sv Kinesisk katalpa Wikidata
ar كتلبة بيضوية Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is well-documented within the borders of Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Moving toward the south, the species also populates areas of Southeastern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Bulgaria. Additionally, its range extends into the Southeastern European territory of Italy.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Catalpa ovata, possesses several distinct anatomical features that contribute to its overall structure. The stem serves as the primary structural support, facilitating the transport of nutrients and water throughout the organism. As the plant matures, the stem bark develops into a protective outer layer that shields the internal tissues from environmental stressors and pathogens. Additionally, the stem-bark can be specifically studied for its unique textures and chemical compositions, which are often of interest in botanical and medicinal research.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem-bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Catalpa ovata has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catalposide, 3-hydroxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone, 4,9-dihydroxy-alpha-lapachone, 4-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone, 8-methoxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catalposide 2 ★☆☆☆☆
3-hydroxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4,9-dihydroxy-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-methoxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
9-methoxy-4-oxo-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
9-methoxy-alpha-lapachone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
IL-6 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catalpalactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catalpin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Catalpa ovata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gram-negative bacterial infections, itching, scabies.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
gram-negative bacterial infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
itching 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scabies 1 ★☆☆☆☆