Parkia filicoidea

African locust bean

Parkia filicoidea, commonly known as the velvet pod tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of this tree are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to digestive issues, offering significant pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Parkia filicoidea
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Fabales and is a member of the Fabaceae family. Taxonomically, it is identified by the genus Parkia, specifically as the species Parkia filicoidea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Parkia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by the English common name African Locust Bean, is referred to as アフリカイナゴマメ in Japanese and is called Iru in Yoruba.
Language Common Name Source
yo Iru Wikidata
ja アフリカイナゴマメ Wikidata
en African Locust Bean Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Parkia filicoidea, is primarily found within the West Tropical Africa region. Its specific distribution spans across several key countries including Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, it can be located within the territories of Ivory Coast and Nigeria. The species also makes its presence known in Togo, completing its regional range. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's presence throughout this particular part of the African continent.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Congo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Equatorial Guinea WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP

Chemicals

Parkia filicoidea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannin, trypsin inhibitor.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
trypsin inhibitor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Parkia filicoidea has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhea, hypertension, wounds.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
conjunctivitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 1 ★☆☆☆☆