Coleonema album

Cape may

Coleonema album, commonly known as the white coleonema, is a distinctive medicinal shrub native to specific subtropical regions. Renowned for its delicate white blossoms, this plant contains unique bioactive compounds. It is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to address various ailments, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Coleonema album
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Rutaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Coleonema.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Coleonema WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Coleonema album, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In English, it is known as Cape May, while in Afrikaans, it is commonly called Klipboegoe, Aasbossie, or Wit-confettibos.
Language Common Name Source
af Klipboegoe Wikidata
af Aasbossie Wikidata
af Wit-confettibos Wikidata
en Cape May Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is indigenous to the southern portion of the African continent. Specifically, its natural habitat is located within the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This particular region provides the unique environmental conditions necessary for its growth. Because of this limited range, the species is considered a local component of the Cape floral kingdom. Therefore, its presence is strictly tied to the specific climates found in these southern provinces.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Coleonema album, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic potential. In many traditional and pharmacological applications, the leaf extracts are processed to isolate bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. Furthermore, the essential oil derived from the plant serves as a concentrated source of aromatic and bioactive constituents, which are often studied for their specific biological activities.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Coleonema album has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Terpenes.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Coleonema album has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Coleonema album has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include skin diseases.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆