Peltophorum pterocarpum

Yellow ponciana

Peltophorum pterocarpum, commonly known as the Yellow Flamboyant or Copperpod, is a majestic tropical tree valued for its medicinal properties. Traditionally used in various cultures, its bark, leaves, and flowers possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues.

  • Scientific name: Peltophorum pterocarpum
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Peltophorum pterocarpum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Peltophorum.

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

Common Names

This plant, Peltophorum pterocarpum, is known by a variety of names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 盾柱木 (dùn zhù mù), while in Vietnamese, it is commonly called Lim xẹt. The German-speaking world identifies it as the Gelber Flammenbaum, reflecting its vibrant yellow flowers. In Thailand, it is known as นนทรี, and in the Malayalam language of India, it is called ചരക്കൊന്ന.
Language Common Name Source
zh 盾柱木 Wikidata
vi Lim xẹt Wikidata
de Gelber Flammenbaum Wikidata
th นนทรี Wikidata
ml ചരക്കൊന്ന Wikidata
id Soga Wikidata
ta பெருங்கொன்றை Wikidata
bn কনকচূড়া Wikidata
ms Pokok Jemerlang Laut Wikidata
yue 閉莢木 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is naturally distributed across several regions within West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the nation of Burkina. It is also found spreading through the coastal and inland areas of Gambia. Furthermore, the species inhabits significant portions of Ghana and Guinea. Finally, its geographical range extends into the territories of Liberia.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Yellow Flamboyant, utilizes various components for its distinct characteristics and medicinal potential. Its bipinnate leaves provide a lush, feathery canopy that aids in photosynthesis and contributes to the plant's shade-providing properties. The bright, showy yellow flowers are a hallmark of the species, attracting pollinators and serving as a key visual indicator of its blooming season. Once pollinated, the plant produces flattened, woody pods that house the seeds, facilitating its reproductive cycle. Additionally, the dense wood of the tree is notable for its durability and has historically been studied for its structural and potential bioactive qualities.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
wood 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pods 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Peltophorum pterocarpum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include TPC, flavonoids, hirsutidin, phenols, quercetin.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
TPC 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hirsutidin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhamnetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Peltophorum pterocarpum has 3 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Bacteriostatic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacteriostatic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Peltophorum pterocarpum has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Acne Vulgaris, Peptic ulcer, acne, acne vulgaris, atherosclerosis.

Total uses
9
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Acne Vulgaris 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Peptic ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne vulgaris 1 ★☆☆☆☆
atherosclerosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lipid peroxidation 1 ★☆☆☆☆