Chrysobalanus icaco
Cocoplum
Chrysobalanus icaco, commonly known as Cocoplum, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to tropical coastal regions. Renowned for its edible, nutrient-rich fruits, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is increasingly studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a botanical treasure.
- Scientific name: Chrysobalanus icaco
- Family: Chrysobalanaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Chrysobalanaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Chrysobalanus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Chrysobalanus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Chrysobalanus icaco, is known by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Haitian Creole, it is referred to as Ponm zikak, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called Guajuru. In several other linguistic contexts, including Udmurt (udm), Russian (ru), and Lobe (lbe), the plant is known by the name Икако.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ht | Ponm zikak | Wikidata |
| pt | Guajuru | Wikidata |
| udm | Икако | Wikidata |
| ru | Икако | Wikidata |
| lbe | Икако | Wikidata |
| mrj | Икако | Wikidata |
| kv | Икако | Wikidata |
| koi | Икако | Wikidata |
| nl | Ikakopruim | Wikidata |
| zh | 一口可梅 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Chrysobalanus icaco, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical African region. Its presence has been documented in several coastal and inland nations within this part of the continent. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Benin and Gambia. The species also extends its range into Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, the plant's geographical reach includes the nation of Guinea, marking its presence in these diverse West African environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | 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 | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant utilizes its leaves as a significant component in its medicinal profile. The leaves of Chrysobalanus icaco are typically thick, leathery, and evergreen, providing a robust structure for the plant's physiological processes. In various traditional medicinal practices, extracts derived from these leaves are studied or used for their potential bioactive properties, contributing to the plant's overall reputation in ethnobotany.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Chrysobalanus icaco has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include calcium, flavonoid, flavonoids, magnesium, myricetin.
- Total chemicals
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnesium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| potassium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sodium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Chrysobalanus icaco has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Blood Glucose, Insulin Sensitivity, Weight Gain, cancer, fungal infections.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Insulin Sensitivity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Weight Gain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungal infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oral candidiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |