Clusia flava
Clusia flava · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Clusia flava is a distinctive plant species known for its unique botanical characteristics and medicinal potential. While much of its biological interest stems from its foliage, the plant also offers significant chemical value through its bark. Researchers have focused on analyzing MeOH bark extracts to uncover the diverse bioactive compounds contained within the species. These studies often examine how specific leaf structures and bark components contribute to the plant's overall chemical profile. Understanding these elements provides crucial insight into the therapeutic possibilities offered by Clusia flava.
- Synonyms
- Clusia Flava Var. Brownei · Clusia Flava Var. Sloanei · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Clusia flava is a distinctive plant known by several different regional names. It is most commonly referred to as the Card gum in many botanical circles. In Jamaica, however, this species is frequently called Tar pot. These varying monikers reflect the diverse ways local communities identify the plant. Understanding these different names helps researchers and enthusiasts locate the species across different habitats.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Clusia flava is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this species has been identified under various names, including the distinct varieties Clusia flava var. brownei and Clusia flava var. sloanei. Research also links the plant to the name Clusia suborbicularis, highlighting historical variations in its classification. Furthermore, the name Icostegia flava serves as another synonym within its broader biological history. Understanding these diverse designations is essential for accurately tracking the plant's identity across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Clusia flava is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that belongs to the class Equisetopsida. Within this vast biological kingdom, the plant is classified under the order Malpighiales. It further belongs to the family Clusiaceae, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a representative of the genus Clusia, it shares unique structural characteristics with its close relatives. Understanding these hierarchical relationships provides essential insight into the botanical identity of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Clusia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Clusia flava exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across much of the Americas. In Northern America, its presence is particularly noted throughout Mexico, covering the Gulf, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions. The species also extends its reach into Southern America, establishing a foothold within the Caribbean. Specifically, it can be found flourishing among the Cayman Islands. This broad distribution highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical and subtropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Clusia flava is a self-supporting tree characterized by its sturdy and upright growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 7 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Its robust structure allows it to stand firmly without the need for external support.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Clusia flava leaves serve as one of the ten most potent plant extracts identified in a study evaluating leishmanicidal activity. These extracts were specifically tested in an in vitro bioassay against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. The research focused on various methanol extracts collected from native plants of the Yucatan peninsula. Among the tested specimens, Clusia flava demonstrated significant effectiveness with an IC50 value of less than 50 microg/ml. This specific relationship highlights the plant's potential as a treatment for the parasite.
Preparations
Clusia flava is prepared as MeOH bark extracts to evaluate its medicinal potential. These specific methanol-based extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of various Staphylococcus aureus strains. The study identified these bark extracts as being among the most active against the bacteria. By utilizing methanol as a solvent for the bark, researchers were able to assess the plant's significant antibacterial properties. This preparation process is a key part of determining how the species can serve as a source of antibacterial phytochemicals.
Parts used
Clusia flava leaves were identified as a significant component in a study evaluating the leishmanicidal potential of native plants from the Yucatan peninsula. Researchers prepared methanol extracts from various plant parts to test their effectiveness against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes in an in vitro bioassay. Among the eighteen species tested, the leaf extracts of this particular plant emerged as one of the ten most potent specimens. Specifically, Clusia flava demonstrated strong activity with an IC50 value of less than 50 microg/ml. These findings highlight the medicinal importance of the plant's foliage in the search for new leishmanicidal treatments.