Combretum aculeatum
Combretum aculeatum, commonly known as the Natal Combretum, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including skin infections, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions. This resilient plant offers significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Combretum aculeatum
- Family: Combretaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic descent places it in the subclass Magnoliidae and order Myrtales, eventually leading to the family Combretaceae. Within this group, it is specifically identified under the genus Combretum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Combretaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Combretum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Combretum aculeatum, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic context. In Amharic, it is commonly called Farar geza, while in Arabic, it is written as كومبريتوم اكوليتوम.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ha | Farar geza | Wikidata |
| arz | كومبريتوم اكوليتوم | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is noted within the territory of Western Sahara. Moving into West Tropical Africa, the species is found in the country of Benin. Its range further extends through West Tropical Africa to include Burkina and Ghana. Finally, the distribution continues into the Ivory Coast within the West Tropical African zone.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Combretum aculeatum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isovitexin, quercetin, rutin, vitexin.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| isovitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Combretum aculeatum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include catarrh, malaria, scorpion stings, snake bites, wounds.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catarrh | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scorpion stings | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| snake bites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |