Cola anomala
Cola anomala, commonly known as the anomalous kola, is a significant medicinal plant native to West African rainforests. Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, it is highly valued in traditional medicine for its stimulant properties and therapeutic potential, often utilized to treat fatigue, enhance energy, and support various metabolic functions.
- Scientific name: Cola anomala
- Family: Malvaceae
- 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 falls under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is taxonomically identified by the genus Cola.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cola | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cola anomala, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the anomalous cola, while in French, it is known as cola anomal. In Spanish, the species is identified as cola anómala, and in Portuguese, it is called cola anômala.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a very specific and localized geographical distribution within the African continent. It is primarily found throughout the West-Central Tropical Africa region. Within this expansive area, its presence is notably centered in Cameroon. This restricted range suggests that the species relies on the particular ecological conditions found in these tropical zones. Consequently, understanding its habitat in Cameroon is essential for studying its natural occurrence.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Cola anomala, utilizes its pods as a primary component in its medicinal profile. These pods, which contain the seeds, are often harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional healing practices. In various regional medicinal applications, the pods are valued for their specific chemical properties, contributing to the plant's overall therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pods | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cola anomala has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cola anomala has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Diarrhea, Shigellosis.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Shigellosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |