Eugenia astringens

Eugenia astringens, commonly known as Cambará, is a versatile medicinal plant native to South American forests. Renowned for its potent astringent and antioxidant properties, it is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammations, digestive issues, and wounds. This botanical powerhouse offers significant therapeutic potential for modern pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Eugenia astringens
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • 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, the order Myrtales, and the family Myrtaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in the genus Eugenia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Myrtaceae WCVP
Genus Eugenia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Eugenia astringens, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Portuguese, it is most commonly referred to as pitangueira-do-campo or pitanga-do-campo, while in Spanish, it is frequently called pitanga or pitanga-brava.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical presence across several key regions of Brazil. Specifically, its natural range extends into the diverse landscapes of the Brazil Northeast. Furthermore, the species can be found throughout the fertile areas of the Brazil Southeast. It is also widely distributed across the temperate climates of the Brazil South. Consequently, these three distinct regions represent the primary locations where this medicinal species thrives.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Eugenia astringens, is highly valued in traditional medicine for the specific therapeutic properties found within its fruits. These small, fleshy berries are often harvested and processed to utilize their high concentration of tannins and bioactive compounds. When prepared as decoctions or extracts, the fruits serve as a key medicinal component, particularly for their astringent qualities which are used to treat various gastrointestinal issues and inflammatory conditions.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆