Diospyros lycioides
Diospyros lycioides, commonly known as the African ebony, is a resilient medicinal shrub found across subtropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments. Exploring its phytochemical properties offers promising insights into its potential pharmacological applications and therapeutic benefits.
- Scientific name: Diospyros lycioides
- Family: Ebenaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Ericales and the family Ebenaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Diospyros.
| 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, scientifically known as Diospyros lycioides, is referred to by the common name Blouboos in Afrikaans.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Bloubos | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several distinct regions within the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range also extends significantly into South Tropical Africa, where it is present in Angola. Furthermore, the species is documented in the southern territories of Malawi and Mozambique. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the nation of Zambia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Caprivi Strip | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Diospyros lycioides, possesses a woody structure where the twig serves as a vital component for its growth and medicinal potential. These young, slender stems act as the primary conduits for transporting nutrients and water throughout the organism, while also providing the structural support necessary for leaf and flower development. In various traditional applications, the bark and woody tissues found along the twig are often studied for their specific phytochemical properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| twig | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Diospyros lycioides has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Diospyros lycioides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Enterococcus faecalis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Enterococcus faecalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |