Dorstenia brasiliensis

Dorsetnia brasiliensis, commonly known as the "pau-de-fogo," is a significant medicinal plant native to South American forests. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat inflammation and infections. Scientific interest continues to grow as researchers explore its bioactive compounds for potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

  • Scientific name: Dorstenia brasiliensis
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, falling into the family Moraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Dorslenia and the specific species Dorslenia brasiliensis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Moraceae WCVP
Genus Dorstenia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Dorsetnia brasiliensis, is referred to by the common name Tarope in the gn language.
Language Common Name Source
gn Tarope Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the Americas. In the Caribbean, its presence is specifically noted within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving to Northern South America, it can be found throughout Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana. The species also extends its reach into Western South America, specifically inhabiting the territory of Bolivia. Consequently, these locations represent the known natural habitats where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
Caribbean Trinidad-Tobago WCVP
Northern South America French Guiana WCVP
Northern South America Guyana WCVP
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dorsetnia brasiliensis, possesses specific morphological features that are utilized in traditional applications, particularly involving its underground structures. The medicinal properties of the species are often associated with its rhizomes, which serve as the primary storage organs for nutrients and bioactive compounds. These thickened, horizontal stems grow beneath the soil surface, making them a key component for botanical study and therapeutic use.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dorstenia brasiliensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dorstenia brasiliensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆