Polyscias fulva

Polyscias fulva, commonly known as yellow sedge, is a resilient perennial herb native to tropical wetlands. Renowned in traditional medicine, this plant is valued for its bioactive compounds. It is frequently utilized to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments, offering significant therapeutic potential in holistic healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Polyscias fulva
  • Family: Araliaceae
  • 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 Apiales, it is classified under the family Araliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Polyscias.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Araliaceae WCVP
Genus Polyscias WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Polyscias fulva, is known by various names depending on the region and local language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Five-finger plant, while in French, it is commonly called le cinq-doigts. Within different linguistic contexts, it is also identified as cinco dedos in Spanish and cinco dedos de mano in Portuguese.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is found across several countries located within the West Tropical Africa region. Its geographical range specifically includes the nation of Benin. It also grows within the territories of Ghana and Guinea. Furthermore, the species can be identified in Liberia. Finally, its distribution extends into Nigeria.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin 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 Cabinda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Polyscias fulva, possesses various anatomical structures that are utilized for its medicinal properties. The leaves are a prominent feature, often used in traditional remedies due to their specific bioactive compounds. Additionally, the stem bark serves as another important component of the plant, containing essential elements that contribute to its overall therapeutic profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Polyscias fulva has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include PFR, alpha-hederin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
PFR 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-hederin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Polyscias fulva has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Polyscias fulva has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆