Parkia platycephala
Parkia platycephalus, commonly known as the African locust bean tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its nutritional and therapeutic properties, it is used extensively in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammation, serving as a vital resource for community health.
- Scientific name: Parkia platycephala
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Specifically, Parkia platycephala is a member of the genus Parkia.
| 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 scientifically as Parkia platycephala, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the flat-headed locust bean tree, while in French, it is known as le faux acacia. Moving into local West African languages, it is recognized as néré in Mandinka, sese in Akan, and kow in Hausa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence within the vast territory of Brazil. Its distribution is notably recorded across the Brazil North region, covering extensive tropical areas. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the Brazil Northeast part of the country. The plant also occupies territories within the Brazil West-Central zone. Consequently, these three distinct regions define the primary habitat for Parkia platycephalo in Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Parkia platycephala has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lectin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lectin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Parkia platycephala has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal disorder.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastrointestinal disorder | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |