Mimusops zeyheri

Transvaal red milkwood

Mimusops zehyeri, commonly known as a significant medicinal shrub, is an intriguing botanical species valued for its unique phytochemical properties. Often utilized in traditional healing practices, this plant holds immense potential for pharmacological research, offering promising insights into natural therapeutic agents for various ailments and holistic wellness applications.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Sapotaecae. Its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Mimusops.

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, scientifically known as Mimusops zeyheri, is recognized by several distinct common names across different languages and regions. In English, it is widely known as the Transvaal Red Milkwood, while in Sinhala, it is referred to as Muchechete. Its names in Chinese vary slightly by script and region but consistently identify it as 南非香榄 (including the simplified forms 南非香榄 and zh-cn: 南非香榄).
Language Common Name Source
sn Muchechete Wikidata
zh 南非香榄 Wikidata
zh-hans 南非香榄 Wikidata
zh-cn 南非香榄 Wikidata
en Transvaal Red Milkwood Wikidata
af Moepel Wikidata
af Transvaalmelkhout Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically throughout Tanzania. Furthermore, the species is established in South Tropical Africa, appearing in the nation of Angola. Finally, its presence continues in the southern reaches of the continent within Malawi and Mozambique.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania 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 Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa Caprivi Strip WCVP

Chemicals

Mimusops zeyheri has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arsenic, chromium, lead, nickel.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
arsenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chromium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lead 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nickel 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Mimusops zeyheri has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetes mellitus.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆