Geissospermum laeve

Geissospermum laeve, commonly known as the "forest herb," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including skin infections and inflammation. This botanical specimen remains a significant subject in ethnobotanical and pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Geissospermum laeve
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Geissospermum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Geissospermum WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by the scientific name Geissospermum laeve (Vell.) Miers, and in the German language, its common name is also referred to as Geissospermum laeve (Vell.) Miers.
Language Common Name Source
de Geissospermum laeve (Vell.) Miers Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In the northern part of the continent, it can be found inhabiting the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Its presence also extends through the country of Venezuela, covering significant portions of Northern South America. Moving toward the western side of the continent, the species is also documented in Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight a broad range spanning from the northern tropical regions to the western interior.

Region Area Source
Northern South America French Guiana WCVP
Northern South America Guyana WCVP
Northern South America Suriname WCVP
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Ecuador WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Geissospermum laeve, is utilized in traditional medicine primarily through its structural components, specifically the stem bark and the general bark. The stem bark is often collected for its concentrated bioactive compounds, which are believed to possess significant therapeutic properties. By processing the bark, practitioners extract the essential medicinal elements necessary for various traditional remedies and treatments.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Geissospermum laeve has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆