Loxostylis alata
Loxostylis alata, commonly known as the "wing-leafed loxo," is a specialized medicinal plant valued in traditional ethnobotany. Renowned for its unique foliage, this species contains bioactive compounds used to treat diverse ailments. Understanding its chemical properties and ecological role is essential for discovering new therapeutic potential in modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Loxostylis alata
- Family: Anacardiaceae
- 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 Sapindales and the family Anacardiaceae, it is classified under the genus Loxostylis. Specifically, the species is identified as Loxostylis alatata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Anacardiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Loxostylis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Loxostylis alata, is known by the common name Teerhout in Afrikaans.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Teerhout | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the southern regions of the African continent. Specifically, its presence is well-documented across the various Cape Provinces. Furthermore, it can be found extending into the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. This distribution highlights its preference for the unique climates found in these specific southern territories. Consequently, these two regions serve as the primary habitats for the species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Loxostylis alata, utilizes its leaf as a primary component in its botanical structure and traditional medicinal applications. The leaf serves as a vital organ for photosynthesis, providing the energy necessary for the plant's growth and survival within its natural habitat. In various ethnobotanical contexts, specific preparations involving the leaf are often studied or used for their potential therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Loxostylis alata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include delicaflavone.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| delicaflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Loxostylis alata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Loxostylis alata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Salmonella Typhimurium.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Salmonella Typhimurium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |