Maquira coriacea
Maquira coriacea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Maquira coriacea is a notable botanical species recognized for its significant medicinal potential within various traditional practices. This plant has gained scientific attention primarily due to its documented antimalarial activities. Researchers are increasingly investigating its bioactive compounds to understand how they combat malaria parasites. By exploring these therapeutic properties, scientists hope to unlock new avenues for treating tropical diseases. Consequently, this species remains a subject of great interest in the ongoing search for natural antimalarial agents.
- Synonyms
- Pseudolmedia Huberi · Olmediophaena Obliqua · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Synonyms
Maquira coriacea is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this species is frequently identified by the names Olmedia laurina and Olmedia maxima. It is also closely associated with the designations Olmedia obliqua and Olmediophaena coriacea. Furthermore, researchers have historically referred to the plant as Olmediophaena maxima. Navigating these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Maquira coriacea is a remarkable biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It specifically falls into the order Rosales, showcasing its unique evolutionary placement. Furthermore, this plant is a distinguished member of the genus Maquira. Finally, its lineage is completed by its membership in the Moraceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Maquira |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Maquira coriacea is a resilient species with an extensive natural range stretching across much of the South American continent. Within Brazil, it maintains a widespread presence, thriving in the Northern, Northeastern, and West-Central regions. Its distribution also extends northward into Northern South America, where it is found throughout Venezuela. Moving toward the west, the plant establishes itself within the diverse landscapes of Bolivia. This vast geographical footprint highlights the adaptability of the species across various South American ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Maquira coriacea is a robust, self-supporting tree that plays a significant role in its native ecosystem. This species exhibits a commanding growth form, establishing itself firmly within the forest canopy. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, the tree can reach a maximum height of 28 meters. In optimal settings, however, it is capable of stretching even higher to reach a maximum height of 50 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Maquira coriacea has demonstrated significant antimalarial activity through recent multidisciplinary research in Bolivia. This finding corroborates the traditional medicinal practices of the Chacobo Indians, who have long utilized the species for its therapeutic properties. During in vitro and in vivo screenings of various Amazonian plants, this species emerged as one of only two that displayed particularly strong results against the parasite. However, the study also noted that the plant exhibited a relatively high level of toxicity in vivo. These results highlight both the medicinal potential and the necessary safety precautions required when exploring such natural bioactive compounds.
Compounds
Conditions
Maquira coriacea is one of the plant species traditionally used by the Chacobo Indians to treat malaria. Scientific screening of its extracts demonstrated that this plant possesses rather good antimalarial activity. These laboratory results successfully corroborate the traditional medicinal uses documented by the native community in the Bolivian Amazon. Despite its effective ability to combat the disease, the plant also exhibited a rather high level of toxicity during in vivo testing. Consequently, while it serves as a functional antimalarial treatment, its safety profile remains a significant factor in its medicinal application.