Coccoloba cereifera
Coccoloba cereifera, commonly known as the wax palm, is a majestic species native to the tropical Americas. Beyond its ecological importance as a vital habitat, this towering palm holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional communities utilize its various parts for medicinal purposes, highlighting its profound role in regional natural pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Coccoloba cereifera
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Coccoloba.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Coccoloba | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Coccoloba cereifera, is known by several different names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the jelly pear, while in Spanish, it is widely known as la uva de playa or uva de playa. In Portuguese, the plant is called uva-da-praia, reflecting its coastal habitat.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range within South America. Its presence is primarily documented in the nation of Brazil. Within the country, the distribution is concentrated specifically in the Southeast region. This localized occurrence suggests that the species thrives under the particular environmental conditions found in these Brazilian territories. Consequently, its habitat remains restricted to this particular part of the Brazilian landscape.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Coccoloba cereifera has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Coccoloba cereifera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include rheumatoid arthritis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |