Gouania microcarpa var. microcarpa
Gouania microcarpa var. microcarpica, commonly known as the "sweet gum" or "sweet bark," is a medicinal shrub native to West Africa. Renowned for its high saponin content, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments, ranging from skin conditions to respiratory and inflammatory issues.
- Scientific name: Gouania microcarpa var. microcarpa
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, it is further categorized under the family Rhamnaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gouania as the specific variety Gouania microcarpa var. microcarpa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rhamnaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gouania | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It is documented to grow within the country of India and is also found in the state of Assam. Furthermore, its presence extends to the island nation of Sri Lanka. The species can also be located in the mountainous terrain of the West Himalaya. Beyond the Indian Subcontinent, its range reaches into the Indo-China region, specifically in Myanmar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Gouania microcarpa var. microcarpa, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which typically include the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic applications. In ethnobotanical practices, these aerial parts are often harvested, dried, and processed to create infusions or decoctions used in traditional medicine.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |