Clerodendrum formicarum
Clerodendrum formicarum, commonly known as the ant-tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its unique scent and bioactive properties, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Clerodendrum formicarum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Clerodendrum formicarum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Clerodendrum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Clerodendrum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Clerodendrum formicarum, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the ant plant, a name derived from the characteristic odor of its leaves. In French, it is known as la plante aux fourmis, and similarly, in Spanish, it is called la planta de las hormigas, both of which translate the descriptive nature of its name. Additionally, in Portuguese, it is identified as a planta das formigas, reflecting its widespread recognition across different cultures for this unique botanical trait.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution spanning across several regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is recorded in Egypt. Moving southward, it is found within various countries of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be located in Ghana, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. Additionally, its range extends into Liberia within the West Tropical African zone.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
Chemicals
Clerodendrum formicarum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |