Livistona chinensis

Chinese fan palm

Livistona chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese fan palm, is a versatile medicinal plant native to East Asia. Renowned for its unique botanical properties, it is utilized in traditional practices to treat various ailments. This resilient species offers significant therapeutic potential, making it a subject of growing pharmacological interest.

  • Scientific name: Livistona chinensis
  • Family: Arecaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Arecales, it is classified under the family Arecaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Livistona.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Arecales WCVP
Family Arecaceae WCVP
Genus Livistona WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Livistona chinensis, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese contexts, including Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and Cantonese (zh-hk), it is known as 蒲葵. In Poland, its common name is Liwistona chińska, while in Vietnam, it is called Cọ xẻ.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 蒲葵 Wikidata
zh-hant 蒲葵 Wikidata
zh-hk 蒲葵 Wikidata
pl Liwistona chińska Wikidata
vi Cọ xẻ Wikidata
yue 蒲葵樹 Wikidata
ar لخبة صينية Wikidata
hu kínai legyezőpálma Wikidata
nl Chinese schermpalm Wikidata
hr Kineska livistona Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution across several continents. In Northern Africa, its presence can be documented within the borders of Tunisia. Moving toward the southern reaches of the continent, it is found in the KwaZulu-Natal region of Southern Africa. Its range also extends into the Western Indian Ocean, specifically inhabiting the islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Finally, the species is located in East Asia, specifically on the Chinese island of Hainan.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Livistona chinensis, utilizes various components for its biological functions and traditional medicinal applications. The roots, specifically the underground root structures, are often the primary focus when harvesting for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the seeds play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive cycle, ensuring the continuation of the species within its natural habitat.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Livistona chinensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitumor.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Livistona chinensis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bladder cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, melanoma B16, ovarian neoplasm.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
bladder cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chronic myelogenous leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
melanoma B16 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ovarian neoplasm 1 ★☆☆☆☆