Guarea kunthiana

Guarea kunthiana, commonly known as the guariba tree, is a significant medicinal plant native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological potential, its bark and resins are traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments, offering valuable biochemical compounds for modern scientific research and holistic healing.

  • Scientific name: Guarea kunthiana
  • Family: Meliaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Meliaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Guarea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Meliaceae WCVP
Genus Guarea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Guarea kunthiana, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the mahogany-like tree or simply by its scientific name in botanical contexts. In Portuguese, it is commonly called jatobá-do-campo or jatobá-de-folha-larga, while in Spanish, it may be referred to as jatobá. These names often reflect its relationship to other species within the same family or its physical characteristics.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several tropical regions. In Central America, its presence is documented in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Moving toward the Caribbean, it can be found inhabiting the Windward Islands. Furthermore, its range extends into Northern South America, specifically within French Guiana. Together, these locations highlight the diverse geographical spread of the species.

Region Area Source
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP
Caribbean Windward Is. WCVP
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 Colombia WCVP

Activities

Guarea kunthiana has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiprotozoal, Larvicide.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Larvicide 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Guarea kunthiana has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania donovani, ecdysis, oogenesis.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Leishmania donovani 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ecdysis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oogenesis 1 ★☆☆☆☆