Dendrophthoe pentandra

Dendrophthoe pentandra, commonly known as the "Harp of the Forest," is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in various herbal remedies to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to inflammatory conditions, showcasing its vital ethnobotanical importance.

  • Scientific name: Dendrophthoe pentandra
  • Family: Loranthaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Santalales, it is specifically categorized under the family Loranthaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dendrophthoe.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Loranthaceae WCVP
Genus Dendrophthoe WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Dendrophthoe pentandra, is known by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 五蕊寄生 (zh/zh-cn), while in Thailand, it is commonly called กาฝากมะม่วง (th). In Java, it is known as Kemladéan (jv), and in Madurese, it is called Tèttè (mad).
Language Common Name Source
zh 五蕊寄生 Wikidata
th กาฝากมะม่วง Wikidata
jv Kemladéan Wikidata
mad Tèttè Wikidata
zh-cn 五蕊寄生 Wikidata
zh-tw 五蕊寄生 Wikidata
id Kemladean Wikidata
id Pasilan Wikidata
zh 乌榄寄生 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across various regions of Asia. In China, it can be found specifically throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is documented in the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is widely distributed within the borders of Bangladesh. Finally, its natural habitat also includes the mountainous terrain of Nepal.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dendrophthoe pentandra, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in traditional medicinal applications. These leaves are characterized by their specific shape and arrangement on the stem, serving as the main site for various bioactive compounds. In many therapeutic practices, the leaves are harvested and prepared in different ways to harness their natural properties for healing purposes.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dendrophthoe pentandra has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dendrophthoe pentandra has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Newcastle disease, Newcastle disease virus, high blood pressure.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Newcastle disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Newcastle disease virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
high blood pressure 1 ★☆☆☆☆