Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius, commonly known as Chaya, is a nutrient-dense tropical shrub native to Mexico. Often referred to as "spinach of the Maya," this versatile plant offers exceptional levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When properly cooked to remove cyanogenic glycosides, it serves as a potent medicinal superfood.
- Scientific name: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Malpighiales, specifically falling within the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cnidoscolus as the subspecies Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cnidoscolus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius, is known by a variety of common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as chaya, while in Spanish, it is commonly called chaya or espinaca de árbol. In Maya, it is known as k'anax, and in Yucatec Maya, it is called x-chaya.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning from the Americas to the Pacific Islands. Within Mexico, its presence is noted across several distinct regions, including Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, and the Mexico Gulf area. The distribution extends far into the Malesia region, where it can be found in the Philippines. Additionally, the species reaches the South-Central Pacific, specifically inhabiting the Line Islands. Consequently, this subspecies occupies a vast and varied ecological footprint across different continents.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Line Is. | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | 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, commonly known as chaya, possesses various parts that are utilized for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The stem provides the structural framework for the shrub, supporting the vigorous growth of its foliage. The most significant part used in consumption and traditional medicine is the leaves, which are rich in proteins and vitamins but must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize cyanogenic glycosides. Additionally, dried leaves can be prepared or processed for specific therapeutic uses, offering a concentrated way to incorporate the plant's bioactive compounds into herbal preparations.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dried leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiprotozoal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |