Dichapetalum filicaule
Dichapetalum filicaule, commonly known as the "wild pepper" or "filicaul," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Africa. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, its leaves are frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections and inflammation to respiratory issues and various gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Scientific name: Dichapetalum filicaule
- Family: Dichapetalaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Dichapetalaceae and the genus Dichapetalum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Dichapetalaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Dichapetalum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Dichapetalum filicaudum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the dichapet, while in Hindi, it is commonly called dichapet. Within different regional Indian languages, it carries distinct names such as dichapet in Telugu, dichapet in Tamil, and dichapet in Kannada.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Dichapetalum filicaudum, exhibits a specific geographical range within the West Tropical Africa region. Its distribution is primarily concentrated in several key nations across the western coastline. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the tropical landscapes of the Ivory Coast. Finally, its presence extends into the forested areas of Liberia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Dichapetalum filicaudum, possesses various components that contribute to its traditional medicinal uses, though specific emphasis is often placed on its structural elements. While the leaves and flowers are frequently cited for their therapeutic properties, the root serves as a vital part of the plant's anatomy, playing a crucial role in anchoring the specimen and absorbing essential nutrients from the soil to support its growth.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Dichapetalum filicaule has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D:A-friedooleanan-3-one, dichapetalin A, dichapetalin X, glycerol monostearate, pomolic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| D:A-friedooleanan-3-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dichapetalin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dichapetalin X | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glycerol monostearate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pomolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |