Melicope frutescens
Melicope frutescens, commonly known as Makuwa in Hawaii, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to Pacific islands. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its leaves and bark are frequently utilized to treat various ailments, including skin inflammations and digestive issues, showcasing the profound botanical richness of its natural ecosystem.
- Scientific name: Melicope frutescens
- Family: Rutaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized under the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Melicope, which encompasses the species Melicope frutescens.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Rutaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Melicope | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Melicope frutescens, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as white melicope, while in Hawaiian, it is known as ʻōlua. In Māori, the plant is called mītiro, and in Tahitian, it is identified as mītiro.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Malesian botanical zone. It can be found growing naturally on the island of Borneo. Its presence extends eastward to the Maluku islands. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the Philippines. Finally, its geographical range includes the island of Sulawesi.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Melicope frutescens, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in traditional medicinal practices. These leaves are typically characterized by their specific shape and arrangement on the stem, housing various bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. When harvested and prepared correctly, the leaf extracts are often employed to treat various ailments, reflecting the functional importance of this particular plant part in its medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |