Epicharis parasitica
Yellow mahogany
Epicharis parasitica, commonly known as a specialized parasitic plant, holds significant interest in ethnobotany. While its parasitic nature allows it to thrive by extracting nutrients from hosts, various cultures have explored its unique biochemical properties. Understanding its medicinal potential requires careful study of its bioactive compounds and ecological interactions.
- Scientific name: Epicharis parasitica
- Family: Meliaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified in the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Epicharis, specifically as the species Epicharis parasitica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Meliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Epicharis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Epiccharis parasitica, is referred to by several different common names depending on the region. In Indonesia, it is locally called Derendan (id), while in English-speaking contexts, it is commonly known as Yellow Mahogany (en).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| id | Derendan | Wikidata |
| en | Yellow Mahogany | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. In Eastern Asia, its presence is specifically noted within Taiwan. Moving into the Malesia region, it can be found across the diverse landscapes of Borneo and Jawa. Its range further extends through the Lesser Sunda Islands. Finally, the species is also documented inhabiting the Malay Peninsula.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sumatera | WCVP |
| Papuasia | Bismarck Archipelago | WCVP |