Diospyros anisandra

Diospyros anisandra, commonly known as the Anisandra tree, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Valued in traditional medicine, its various parts—including leaves, bark, and fruit—possess significant bioactive properties. These components are frequently utilized to treat diverse ailments, showcasing the plant's profound therapeutic potential.

  • Scientific name: Diospyros anisandra
  • Family: Ebenaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is further categorized into the family Ebenaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Diospyros, specifically as the species Diospyros anisandra.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ebenaceae WCVP
Genus Diospyros WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Diospyros anisandra, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the anise ebony, while in Chinese, it is known as xing xian. In Vietnamese, the species is called mận dại.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct regions. In North America, it can be found specifically within the southeast portion of Mexico. Moving southward, its range extends into Central America, where it is located in Guatemala. The species also reaches the Caribbean islands, specifically inhabiting the territory of Cuba. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of Diospyros anisandra.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Caribbean Cuba WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Diospyros anisandra, is valued in traditional medicine for its various therapeutic properties, particularly those derived from its specific anatomical structures. Among its most significant medicinal components is the stem bark, which is often harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in treating various ailments. While other parts of the tree may be present, the bark of the stem serves as a primary source for many of its traditional pharmacological applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Diospyros anisandra has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3'-biplumbagin, Naphthoquinones, Plumbagin, maritinone, naphthoquinones.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3,3'-biplumbagin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Naphthoquinones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Plumbagin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
maritinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
naphthoquinones 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Diospyros anisandra has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Ancylostoma caninum, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculosis.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Ancylostoma caninum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆