Manilkara kauki

Manilkara kauki, commonly known as the Bulletwood tree, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its dense, durable timber, its various parts are also utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments like skin diseases, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering valuable bioactive compounds for holistic healing.

  • Scientific name: Manilkara kauki
  • Family: Sapotaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, falling into the family Sapotaeceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Manilkara.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Sapotaceae WCVP
Genus Manilkara WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Manilkara kauki, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Indonesia, it is referred to as sawo kecik (id), and this name is also used in Javanese (jv). In Japan, the plant is called サワノキ (ja), while in Bangladesh, it is known as Sabo kecik (ban). Additionally, in Malaysia, it is commonly called sawo kecil (ms).
Language Common Name Source
id Sawo kecik Wikidata
jv Sawo kecik Wikidata
ja サワノキ Wikidata
ban Sabo kecik Wikidata
ms Sawo kecil Wikidata
ja マライサオ Wikidata
ja サオ Wikidata
zh 凹叶人心果 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Manihot kauki, exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its presence extends into the Indo-China region as well. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit parts of Cambodia and Myanmar. Additionally, the species is commonly distributed throughout Thailand.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP
Malesia Lesser Sunda Is. WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Manihot kauki, possesses several components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The reproductive cycle involves the development of the flower, which eventually gives rise to the characteristic seeds. Within each seed, there is a vital seed kernel that contains specific bioactive compounds essential for therapeutic use. Furthermore, the root system of the plant is also highly valued, often being prepared in various ways to harness its medicinal properties.
Total parts
10
Scientific sources
11
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flower 2 ★☆☆☆☆
seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seed kernel 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Manilkara kauki has 7 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antineoplastic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆