Markhamia zanzibarica

Bell-bean

Markhamia zanzibariica, commonly known as the Zanzibar Markhamia, is a striking tropical shrub valued for its medicinal properties. Native to East Africa, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation and skin conditions, making it a significant botanical resource in regional herbal practices.

  • Scientific name: Markhamia zanzibarica
  • Family: Bignoniaceae
  • Native range: Africa

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 organized under the order Lamiales and the family Bignoniaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Markhamia, specifically as the species Markhamia zanzibariica.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Bignoniaceae WCVP
Genus Markhamia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Markhamia zanzibariica, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In English, it is commonly called the Bell-bean, while in Afrikaans, it is known as the Klokkiesboontjieboom. Among Chinese speakers, the plant is identified as 尖叶猫尾木, a name that is used across different regional variations including zh, zh-hans, and zh-cn.
Language Common Name Source
zh 尖叶猫尾木 Wikidata
zh-hans 尖叶猫尾木 Wikidata
zh-cn 尖叶猫尾木 Wikidata
af Klokkiesboontjieboom Wikidata
en Bell-bean Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving towards the northeast, it can also be found in the country of Somalia. The distribution extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Kenya. Finally, the species reaches into South Tropical Africa, appearing in both Angola and Malawi.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Botswana WCVP
Southern Africa Caprivi Strip WCVP

Chemicals

Markhamia zanzibarica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, lignans, phytosterols, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Markhamia zanzibarica has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antifungal, Antiinflammatory, Antiprotozoal, Antiviral.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆