Matayba oppositifolia

Matayba oppositifolia, commonly known as the opposing-leaved Matayba, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to specific tropical regions. Valued in traditional healing practices, it possesses unique phytochemical properties used to treat various ailments. Understanding its botanical characteristics and therapeutic potential is essential for exploring its role in natural medicine.

  • Scientific name: Matayba oppositifolia
  • Family: Sapindaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Mataybba oppositifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, falling into the family Sapindaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Mataybba.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Sapindaceae WCVP
Genus Matayba WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Mataybba oppositifolia, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is referred to as the opposite-leaved mountain rose, while in Latin, it is commonly called Mataybba oppositifolia. Additionally, it is recognized by the name Mataybba in certain local dialects.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions of Mexico. Specifically, it can be found throughout the Northeast, Gulf, Southwest, and Southeast portions of the country. Beyond the Mexican borders, its range extends southward into Central America. Within this central region, the species is notably distributed in Belize. Consequently, its geographical footprint spans a diverse array of ecological zones from Mexico to the tropics.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Mataybba oppositifolia, is a species where the bark serves as a significant component for study and potential medicinal application. The bark, which encompasses the protective outer layer of the stems and branches, contains specific chemical compounds that distinguish it from other parts of the plant. In various traditional practices, the bark of such medicinal species is often harvested to extract bioactive constituents used in healing preparations.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Matayba oppositifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-dehydrodiosgenin, friedelan-3-one, palmitic acid.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
7-dehydrodiosgenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
friedelan-3-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
palmitic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Matayba oppositifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea, infectious diseases.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆