Couepia ulei

Couepia ulei, commonly known as the "clove tree" in certain regions, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical rainforests. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including skin infections and inflammation, offering promising potential for modern drug development and therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Couepia ulei
  • Family: Chrysobalanaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Couepia ulei, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Chrysobalanaceae and falls under the genus Couepia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Chrysobalanaceae WCVP
Genus Couepia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Couepia ulei, is known by various common names depending on the region and local language. In English, it is frequently referred to as Couepi, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called Couepia. Within Brazil, where it is native, it is also known by the name de Couepia.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the borders of Venezuela. Its presence extends into Western South America, where it inhabits parts of Colombia and Ecuador. The species is also documented throughout various areas of Peru. Finally, its range includes the northern regions of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Ecuador WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Couepiou ulei, utilizes its stems as a critical component of its physiological structure, providing the necessary support and vascular transport required for its growth in tropical environments. While much of the medicinal interest in such species often focuses on leaves or bark, the stems serve as the fundamental conduits that distribute nutrients and water throughout the organism, ensuring the overall vitality of the plant.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Couepia ulei has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+/-)-syringaresinol, betulinic acid, evofolin-B, oleanolic acid, pomolic acid.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+/-)-syringaresinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
betulinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
evofolin-B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleanolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pomolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆