Hura crepitans
Sandbox tree
Hura crepitans, commonly known as the sandbox tree, is a remarkable tropical species famed for its explosive seed dispersal. While its striking appearance captivates, the plant is highly toxic. In traditional medicine, specific extracts are cautiously used for skin ailments, though its potent compounds require extreme handling precision.
- Scientific name: Hura crepitans
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, falling under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Hura, specifically as the species Hura crepitans.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hura | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hura crepitans, is recognized by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is referred to as the Sandbüchsenbauvim, while in Indonesian, it is commonly called Buah Roda. In Poland, the species is known as Łoskotnica pękająca, and in Vietnam, it is identified as Vông đồng. Additionally, in Czech, the plant is called hura chřestivá.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Sandbüchsenbaum | Wikidata |
| id | Buah Roda | Wikidata |
| pl | Łoskotnica pękająca | Wikidata |
| vi | Vông đồng | Wikidata |
| cs | hura chřestivá | Wikidata |
| zh | 响盒子 | Wikidata |
| th | โพศรี | Wikidata |
| hu | porzófa | Wikidata |
| ht | Rabi | Wikidata |
| uk | Динамітне дерево | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across several continents. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found within the borders of Benin, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Its presence also extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically within the Central African Republic. Interestingly, the species is not limited to Africa, as it also inhabits the Southeastern United States. Within that American region, the plant is specifically documented in the state of Florida.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Bahamas | WCVP |
Chemicals
Hura crepitans has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanidins, flavonoids, triterpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanidins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hura crepitans has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, alcohol consumption, bacterial infections.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alcohol consumption | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |