Cecropia obtusa
Cecropia obtusa, commonly known as the Sea Cecropia, is a versatile tropical tree native to coastal regions. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its leaves and bark possess significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This resilient plant serves as a vital natural resource for treating various ailments in many island ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Cecropia obtusa
- Family: Urticaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Cecropia obtusa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Rosales. It is a member of the family Urticaceae and is specifically placed within the genus Cecropia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Urticaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cecropia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cecropia obtusa, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the tree guava or simply as a species of Cecropia. In Spanish, it is commonly called ceiba or ceiba de monte, and in Portuguese, it is known as ceiba. Additionally, in some local contexts, it may be referred to as mamey or mamey de monte.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the tropical regions of northern South America. It can be found growing within the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Furthermore, its presence extends significantly into the Brazilian landscape. Specifically, it inhabits the northern regions of Brazil as well as the northeastern parts of the country. This range highlights the plant's preference for the humid environments found in these particular northern latitudes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cecropia obtusa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ursolic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ursolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cecropia obtusa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include leishmaniasis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |