Cussonia bancoensis

Cussonia bancoensis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to subtropical regions. Renowned for its robust structure and broad leaves, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Various parts of the plant are traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin irritations to inflammation.

  • Scientific name: Cussonia bancoensis
  • Family: Araliaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Araliaceae and falls under the genus Cussonia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Araliaceae WCVP
Genus Cussonia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cussonia bancoensis, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic context of its native range. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Cabbage Tree, while in Afrikaans, it is known as die Koolboom. Within local South African languages, it is identified as die Grootkoolboom in isiXhosa and is called mkhaba in isiZulu.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is native to several specific regions across West Tropical Africa. Its geographical distribution includes the country of Ghana, where it grows in local ecosystems. It is also found within the borders of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Liberia to inhabit the tropical landscape. Finally, its presence is documented within the nation of Nigeria.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Congo WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cussonia bancoensis, commonly known as the Berg kobus, is a medicinal species where the stem bark plays a significant role in traditional healing practices. The stem bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions or infusions, which are utilized for their various therapeutic properties. In many indigenous applications, the chemical compounds found within the bark are leveraged to treat ailments such as gastrointestinal issues or as a general tonic, making the stem bark a vital component of the plant's ethnobotanical profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stem Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cussonia bancoensis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 23-Hydroxyursolic Acid, 23-hydroxyursolic acid, 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-23-hydroxyursolic acid, 3beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid, stigmasterol.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
23-Hydroxyursolic Acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
23-hydroxyursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-23-hydroxyursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stigmasterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆