Erythroxylum macrocarpum
Erythroxylum macrocarpum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Erythroxylum macrocarpum, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it contains bioactive alkaloids used in traditional healing practices. This species holds great potential for modern pharmaceutical research, offering valuable insights into treating various physiological ailments and conditions.
- Family
- Erythroxylaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Erythroxylum macrocarpumRegional and Traditional Names
French:
- Bois de ronde
- Bois piment
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic placement puts it in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Erythroxylaceae and falls under the genus Erythroxylum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Erythroxylaceae |
| Genus | Erythroxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very limited and specific geographical range. It is found exclusively within the Western Indian Ocean region. Specifically, its natural occurrence is restricted to the island nation of Mauritius. Because of this localized habitat, the species is considered endemic to this particular area. Such a narrow distribution highlights the unique biodiversity found within the Mascarene Islands.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Erythroxylum macrocarpum is characterized by a distinct growth form and structural habit. It manifests primarily as a tree, exhibiting a robust and well-developed architecture. In terms of its physical constitution, the plant is characterized by woody tissue, providing the necessary structural integrity for its development. Additionally, its climbing habit is described as self-supporting, functioning as a liana, vine, or self-supporting structure that allows it to navigate its environment through both obligatory and facultative mechanisms.
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Growth form :
- tree
- Woodiness :
- woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Activities
Erythroxylum macrocarpum has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiglycation, Antioxidant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antiglycation | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antiglycation
- BMC complementary and alternative medicine
Antioxidant
- BMC complementary and alternative medicine