Crateva tapia

Crataeva tapia

Crateva tapia, commonly known as the Sacred Temple Tree, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned in traditional healing, its various parts possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is frequently utilized in folk medicine to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and various systemic inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Crateva tapia
  • Family: Capparaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Brassicales, it is classified under the family Capparaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Crateva, specifically the species Crateva tapia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Brassicales WCVP
Family Capparaceae WCVP
Genus Crateva WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Crateva tapia, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In English, it is frequently called Crateva tapia or Trapiá, while in Portuguese, the names Trapiá and Tapiá are commonly used. Additionally, in Arabic, the plant is identified as كراتيفة السياج.
Language Common Name Source
ar كراتيفة السياج Wikidata
pt Trapiá Wikidata
pt Tapiá Wikidata
en Crataeva tapia Wikidata
en Trapiá Wikidata
vi Crataeva tapia Wikidata
es Crataeva tapia Wikidata
it Crataeva tapia Wikidata
zh 美洲鱼木 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence throughout the diverse landscapes of Mexico. Its distribution begins in the central regions, where it occupies the heart of the country. Moving toward the coastal and border areas, it can also be found across Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The species further extends its reach into the arid terrains of Mexico Northwest. Finally, its geographical footprint is completed by its documented occurrence in Mexico Southwest.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest 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

Activities

Crateva tapia has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Allelopathic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Allelopathic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Crateva tapia has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Enterococcus faecium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Salmonella typhimurium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆