Cordia globifera

Cordia globifera, commonly known as the "palo de sombra," is a versatile tropical tree prized for its dense shade and medicinal properties. Traditionally used in folk medicine, its various parts are utilized to treat skin conditions and inflammatory ailments, making it a significant botanical resource in many warm ecosystems.

  • Scientific name: Cordia globifera
  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Cordia globifera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Cordia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Boraginales WCVP
Family Boraginaceae WCVP
Genus Cordia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cordia globifera, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is often called the globe cordia, while in Spanish, it is widely known as palo de vaca or palo de vaca de monte. In Portuguese, the species is recognized as pau-de-vaca, and in French, it is known as cordia globuleuse.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the Southeast Asian region. Specifically, its presence is recorded across the Indo-China peninsula. Within this area, the species can be found growing in Myanmar. It is also documented to inhabit various parts of Thailand. Consequently, its natural range is concentrated in these specific Indo-Chinese territories.

Region Area Source
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cordia globifera, utilizes its various structural components for both biological function and traditional medicinal application. While the entire organism relies on its complex systems for survival, the roots and the singular root structure serve as the primary foundation for anchoring the plant and absorbing essential nutrients from the soil. In many ethnobotanical practices, these underground parts, specifically the roots, are harvested and prepared to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional healing remedies.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cordia globifera has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cordiaquinol C, cordiarimide A, cordiarimide B, globiferane, globiferin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cordiaquinol C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cordiarimide A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cordiarimide B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
globiferane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
globiferin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cordia globifera has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antimalarial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cordia globifera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Antimalarial.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆