Cryptocarya latifolia

Cryptocarya latifolia, commonly known as the broad-leaved crypto, is a significant medicinal plant native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments. Scientific studies continue to explore its bioactive compounds, highlighting its immense potential in modern herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Cryptocarya latifolia
  • Family: Lauraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Laurales, and the family Lauraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Cryptocarya.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Laurales WCVP
Family Lauraceae WCVP
Genus Cryptocarya WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cryptocarya latifolia, is referred to by the common name Breëblaarkweper in Afrikaans.
Language Common Name Source
af Breëblaarkweper Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is found within specific regions of Southern Africa. Its natural habitat primarily includes the Cape Provinces. Additionally, the species is known to occur in the KwaZulu-Natal region. These areas represent the core geographical distribution of the species. Consequently, its range is concentrated within these distinct South African provinces.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cryptocarya latifolia, possesses various components that are often studied for their biological properties. The roots serve as a foundational part of the organism, anchoring it into the soil and absorbing essential nutrients. The leaves are a prominent feature, characterized by their distinct shape and often utilized in traditional applications due to their chemical constituents. The fruits represent the reproductive output of the plant, containing seeds necessary for its life cycle. Finally, the bark forms a protective outer layer around the stem and branches, housing specialized tissues that are sometimes harvested for medicinal research.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cryptocarya latifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include copaene, nerolidol, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
copaene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nerolidol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cryptocarya latifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆