Maytenus obtusifolia
Maytenus obtusifolia, commonly known as "mora" or "mora de monte," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned in traditional ethnobotany, it possesses significant bioactive properties. It is frequently utilized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, offering valuable therapeutic potential in treating various skin and systemic ailments.
- Scientific name: Maytenus obtusifolia
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Maytenus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Celastrales | WCVP |
| Family | Celastraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Maytenus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Maytenus obtusifolia, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called muelencia, while in Spanish, it is known as muelencia or muelencia de monte. In Portuguese, the plant is commonly referred to as muelencia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical presence across several key regions of Brazil. It can be found growing within the diverse ecosystems of the Brazil Northeast. Additionally, its distribution extends into the lush landscapes of the Brazil North region. The species is also documented throughout the Brazil Southeast area. These varying locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit multiple environmental zones within the country.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Maytenus obtusifolia, is often utilized in traditional medicine, where specific anatomical components are harvested for their therapeutic properties. Among these, the root bark is a particularly significant part used in various preparations. This woody tissue, located beneath the exterior surface of the roots, contains concentrated bioactive compounds that are extracted to treat different ailments.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Maytenus obtusifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include MeOH.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| MeOH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus obtusifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |