Manilkara rufula
Manilkara rufula, commonly known as the tropical milkberry, is a resilient evergreen species native to coastal regions. Renowned for its dense, glossy foliage and small, fleshy fruits, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is studied for its potential medicinal properties, offering promising insights into natural therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Manilkara rufula
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Ericales and falls into the family Sapotaecae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Manilkara, specifically as the species Manilkara rufula.
| 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, Manihot multifida (often referred to in botanical literature via related taxa such as Manihot rufula), is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as cassava or manioc, while in Spanish, it is known as yuca. In Portuguese, it is called mandioca, and in French, it is identified as manioc.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known as Manihot rufula, exhibits a specific range within the South American landscape. Its presence is notably documented across several key regions of Brazil. Specifically, the species can be found growing throughout the Northeast portion of the country. Additionally, its geographical distribution extends into the Southeast region of Brazil. These locations highlight the plant's adaptation to the diverse climates found within these Brazilian territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Manihot multifida (often referred to in certain contexts as Manihot rufula), utilizes its vibrant leaves as a primary source of medicinal properties. These leaves are characterized by their distinct palmate shape and are frequently harvested to prepare decoctions or poultices used in traditional healing practices. Due to their bioactive compounds, the leaves serve as a vital component in treating various ailments, making them the most significant part of the plant for therapeutic application.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Manilkara rufula has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lectin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lectin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |