Mimusops obtusifolia

Mimusops obtusifolia, commonly known as the "white-flowered mimuso," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to digestive issues, showcasing its significant ethnobotanical value.

  • Scientific name: Mimusops obtusifolia
  • Family: Sapotaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is further categorized into the family Sapotaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Mimusops, identifying it as Mimusops obtusifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Sapotaceae WCVP
Genus Mimusops WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Mimusops obtusifolia, is known by various regional names depending on the local language and geography. In English, it is commonly referred to as the blunt-leaved mimusops, while in French, it is known as mimusops à feuilles obtuses. In Chinese, the plant is called 钝叶拟木薯 (dùn yè nǐ mù shǔ), and in Malay, it is referred to as mimusops daun tumpul.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, its habitat includes the nation of Somalia. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species is found within the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. The distribution extends further into South Tropical Africa, where it occurs in Malawi. Finally, its geographical range reaches into Mozambique, completing its presence in the southern tropical belt.

Region Area Source
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Comoros WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar WCVP

Chemicals

Mimusops obtusifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include sawamilletin, taraxerol.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
sawamilletin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
taraxerol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Mimusops 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 ★☆☆☆☆