Horsfieldia spicata

Horsfieldia spicata, commonly known as a medicinal shrub within the Illicium family, is native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Renowned for its diverse phytochemical profile, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments. Its unique botanical properties offer significant potential for developing new therapeutic pharmacological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Horsfieldia spicata
  • Family: Myristicaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It further falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Magnoliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Myristicaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Horsfieldia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Magnoliales WCVP
Family Myristicaceae WCVP
Genus Horsfieldia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Horsfieldia spicata, is known by various local names depending on the linguistic context of its native regions. In Indonesian, it is commonly referred to as Kayu Putih (though this name is shared with several other species), while in Malay, it is known as Pokok Putih. These names often reflect the local botanical classifications used by communities that utilize its medicinal properties.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is a specific botanical species with a very limited natural range. It is primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of the Malesia region. More specifically, its presence is documented in the Maluku islands of Indonesia. This localized distribution suggests that the species may be endemic to this particular area. Consequently, its survival is closely tied to the unique environmental conditions of the Maluku archipelago.

Region Area Source
Malesia Maluku WCVP

Activities

Horsfieldia spicata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Horsfieldia spicata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆