Coutarea hexandra

Coutarea hexandra, commonly known as the "Madagascar Rosewood" or "Coutarea," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, skin disorders, and digestive issues, offering significant therapeutic potential.

  • Scientific name: Coutarea hexandra
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

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

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Coutarea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Coutarea hexandra, is recognized by various local identifiers depending on the region. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Murta-do-mato.
Language Common Name Source
pt Murta-do-mato Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several regions of North and Central America. In Mexico, its range extends from the Gulf coast to the southwest and the southeast portions of the country. Moving into Central America, the species can also be found within the borders of Belize. Additionally, its distribution reaches further south into Costa Rica. Together, these locations highlight the broad tropical and subtropical habitats preferred by Coutarea hexandra.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the African boxwood, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its bark and fruits. The bark is frequently harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Additionally, the fruits of Coutarea hexandra serve as a significant part of the plant's reproductive structure and are studied for their potential pharmacological contributions to holistic treatments.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Coutarea hexandra has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin F, flavonoid.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin F 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Coutarea hexandra has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Mutagenic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Mutagenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Coutarea hexandra has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆