Cecropia palmata
Cecropia palmata, commonly known as the palm-leaf Cecropia, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its significant bioactive properties, it is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat inflammation and infections. This study explores its phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications in modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Cecropia palmata
- Family: Urticaceae
- Native range: Pacific
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosaless, falling into the family Urticaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Cecropia, specifically the species Cecropia palmata.
| 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 palmata, is recognized by various regional common names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the palmated cecropia, while in Spanish, it is commonly called la ceiba de hoja de palma. In Portuguese, it is known as a cecropia-palmeira, and in French, it is identified as la cécropie palmée.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide-ranging distribution across several distinct regions of the Pacific and South American continents. In the Northwestern Pacific, its presence is documented within the Mariana Islands. Moving to the northern part of South America, it can be found in French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Additionally, its habitat extends into the western portion of the continent, specifically in Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight the diverse environmental niches occupied by this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Pacific | Marianas | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cecropia palmata 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |