Podophyllum sinense
Podophyllum sinense, commonly known as Mayapple, is a perennial herb native to East Asia. Renowned in traditional medicine, its rhizomes contain potent podophyllotoxin. While utilized for its antimicrobial and antitumor properties, the plant is highly toxic, requiring precise pharmacological application to ensure safety and therapeutic efficacy in treatments.
- Scientific name: Podophyllum sinense
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, falling under the family Berberidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Podophyllum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Berberidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Podophyllum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Podophyllum sinense, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called Chinese Mayapple, while in Chinese, it is known as Bai Man Tou. In Korean, the plant is referred to as Baekman-dou, and in Japanese, it is called Hakuman-tou.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within specific regions of China. Its natural habitat spans across the South-Central part of the country. Additionally, it can be located within the North-Central territory of China. These two distinct areas define its primary geographical presence. Therefore, its distribution is concentrated within these specific Chinese provinces.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |