Cecropia obtusifolia
Cecropia obtusifolia, commonly known as the Colombian Cecropia or Emba, is a fast-growing tropical tree valued in traditional medicine. Native to Central and South America, its leaves are frequently utilized in decoctions to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and respiratory issues, showcasing its significant ethnobotanical importance in regional healing.
- Scientific name: Cecropia obtusifolia
- Family: Urticaceae
- Native range: Pacific
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Cecropia obtusifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Rosales. Finally, it is classified under the family Urticaceae and 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, known scientifically as Cecropia obtusifolia, is referred to by several different common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In the Nahuatl language, it is called Āzcacuahuitl, while in Spanish, it is commonly identified as both Guaruma De Pava and Guarumo Blanco.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nah | Āzcacuahuitl | Wikidata |
| es | Guaruma De Pava | Wikidata |
| es | Guarumo Blanco | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and North America. Within the North-Central Pacific, it can be found growing in the islands of Hawaii. Its presence in Mexico is extensive, covering the central territories of Mexico Central. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout the Northeast, Gulf, and Northwest regions of Mexico. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in different ecological zones across these areas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cecropia obtusifolia, is a species where the leaves play a primary role in its botanical and medicinal identification. The large, palmate leaves are characterized by their distinct shape and prominent venation, serving as the most visible part of the plant. In various traditional practices, the leaf or the collective foliage of the plant is studied for its potential bioactive properties, making the leaves a central focus for those examining its medicinal utility.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cecropia obtusifolia has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antihypertensive.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cecropia obtusifolia has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, bronchitis, antihypertensive, anxiety, cough.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heart failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |