Luehea candicans
Luehea candicans, commonly known as pau-ferro, is a majestic Brazilian tree valued for its timber and medicinal properties. Traditionally used in folk medicine, its bark and leaves are utilized to treat inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues. This resilient species plays a vital role in South American ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Luehea candicans
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malvales, it is classified under the family Malvaceae. Specifically, Luehea candicans is a member of the genus Luehea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Luehea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Luehea candicans, is recognized by various regional names depending on the local language and territory. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as pau de óleo or pau de canela, while in Spanish, it is known as palo de óleo or palo de canela. These names often reflect the botanical characteristics or the traditional uses associated with the species in its native habitats.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Bolivia. Within Brazil, it is widely spread, inhabiting the West-Central, Southeast, and South regions. Additionally, its range extends into the Southern part of the continent, specifically reaching the Northeast of Argentina. Together, these locations highlight the diverse ecological areas where the species can be found.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Luehea candicans, utilizes its leaves as a significant component in traditional medicinal practices. These leaves are often harvested to prepare decoctions or infusions, which are believed to possess various therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory or astringent effects. The chemical compounds concentrated within the leaf tissue are the primary focus when studying the plant's potential to aid in healing and wellness.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Luehea candicans has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-epicatechin, betulin, liriodendrin, lupeol, vitexin.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-)-epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liriodendrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |