Fontainea picrosperma

Fontainea picrosperma, commonly known as the bitter fontainea, is a medicinal plant native to parts of Africa. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Research highlights its significant potential in developing bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapeutic effects.

  • Scientific name: Fontainea picrosperma
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Australasia

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Malpighiales and sits in the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Fontainea as the species Fontainea picrosperma.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Fontainea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Fontainea picrosperma, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the bitter fontainea, while in French, it is known as la fontainea amère. In Portuguese, it is called fontainea amarga, and in German, it is referred to as bitteres fontainea.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Fontainea picrosperma, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its occurrence is documented exclusively within the natural landscapes of Australia. Specifically, this medicinal species can be found inhabiting the tropical regions of Queensland. Because it is localized to this particular state, it represents a unique component of the local flora. Consequently, its distribution highlights the specialized environmental requirements necessary for its survival.

Region Area Source
Australia Queensland WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Fontainea picrosperma, possesses various anatomical components that contribute to its medicinal profile. The roots of the species are often studied for their chemical potency, and even a single root can be a source of significant bioactive compounds used in traditional applications. Additionally, the leaf tissues contain specialized cellular structures that facilitate the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which are essential for the plant's therapeutic properties.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf tissues 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Fontainea picrosperma has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include EBC-46, tigilanol tiglate.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
EBC-46 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tigilanol tiglate 1 ★☆☆☆☆