Polyscias guilfoylei
Polyscias guilfoylei, commonly known as the Aralia tree, is a versatile tropical plant valued for its ornamental beauty and therapeutic potential. Beyond its lush foliage, various traditional medicine systems utilize its leaves to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues, highlighting its significant role in ethnobotany and wellness.
- Scientific name: Polyscias guilfoylei
- Family: Araliaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales, placing it in the family Araliaceae. Finally, it is identified under the specific 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 guilfoylei, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), it is referred to as 福祿桐, while in Simplified Chinese (zh-cn) it is commonly called 银边南洋参. Additionally, it is recognized under the names 银边南洋参 and 南洋参 in other Chinese (zh) contexts.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-tw | 福祿桐 | Wikidata |
| zh | 银边南洋参 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 银边南洋参 | Wikidata |
| zh | 福祿桐 | Wikidata |
| zh | 南洋参 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans multiple continents and diverse climatic zones. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is recorded within the nation of Guinea. Its range extends to South Tropical Africa, specifically documented in Mozambique. Within the Western Indian Ocean, the species can be found in the Comoros. Finally, its distribution reaches East Asia, covering the Hainan region and Southeast China.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Papuasia | Bismarck Archipelago | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
| Southwestern Pacific | Gilbert Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, is characterized by its distinct structural features, particularly its stem, which serves as the primary support for its lush, spreading foliage. The stem is typically woody and can become quite sturdy as the plant matures, providing the necessary framework to hold the large, glossy leaves aloft. This robust stem not only facilitates the transport of nutrients and water throughout the plant but also allows it to adapt to various growing environments, making it a resilient component of its overall anatomy.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polyscias guilfoylei has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-pinoresinol, (+)-syringaresinol, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, androseptoside A, caffeic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (+)-pinoresinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (+)-syringaresinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| androseptoside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| daucosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl protocatechuate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| protocatechuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |