Psidium guineense
Psidium guineense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Psidium guineense is a botanical species known for its diverse chemical profile and potential medicinal applications. The fruit of this plant serves as a primary source of bioactive compounds, most notably ethyl butanoate and limonene. Research into these specific constituents suggests that the plant may possess significant biological activities. Specifically, studies have investigated the efficacy of these extracts against the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Understanding these interactions provides valuable insight into the therapeutic potential of this species.
- Synonyms
- Campomanesia Multiflora · Campomanesia Tomentosa · 51 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Psidium guineense is a versatile plant known by several different regional names depending on its specific variety. It is frequently referred to by the common name Araçá, though it is also widely recognized as Araçá-amarelo. In certain areas, the species is distinguished as Araçá-branco to highlight its unique characteristics. Another local name, Araçazinho, is often used to describe its smaller forms. Finally, it is sometimes called Araçá-de-anta, reflecting its deep connections to local wildlife and traditional nomenclature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Psidium guineense is a botanical species characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. It is frequently identified in various scientific records under the name Campomanesia multiflora. The plant is also closely associated with the synonyms Campomanesia tomentosa and Eugenia hauthalii. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this species listed as Guajava albida in older literature. Finally, its classification has historically overlapped with the name Guajava benthamiana, reflecting the evolving nature of plant nomenclature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Psidium guineense belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse life forms found within the botanical world. As a member of the class Equisetopsida, it displays the specialized structural characteristics typical of many vascular plants. This species is further classified under the order Myrtales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. Within this order, it sits firmly in the family Myrtaceae, a group known for its distinct floral and aromatic properties. Ultimately, its specific identity is defined by its placement within the genus Psidium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Psidium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Psidium guineense is a resilient species widely distributed throughout various regions of the African continent. Its range extends significantly into South Tropical Africa, where it can be found in countries such as Angola. The plant also flourishes across West Tropical Africa, specifically within the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, it maintains a strong presence in West-Central Tropical Africa, spanning across Gabon, the Congo, and the DR Congo. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Psidium guineense is a self-supporting plant that typically takes the form of a shrub. Depending on its specific environment, this species can exhibit a wide range of vertical development. Its stature may begin as a modest specimen reaching a minimum height of only 0.9144 meters. In many cases, the plant grows significantly larger, with some individuals reaching a minimum height of 7 meters. Ultimately, the growth of this shrub can reach a maximum height of 7.62 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Psidium guineense, commonly known as Araçá, possesses a complex volatile chemical profile that contributes to its unique aromatic characteristics. Research into Myrtaceous fruits from the Brazilian Amazon has identified several key compounds within its pulp. Specifically, limonene serves as a major constituent, accounting for 25.2% of its volatile concentrate. Additionally, the plant contains ethyl butanoate, which makes up 12.1% of its chemical composition. These diverse secondary metabolites play a vital role in the fruit's potential applications for nutritional and medicinal use.
Conditions
Psidium guineense demonstrates significant biological utility through its ability to combat both parasitic nematodes and harmful bacteria. In interactions with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii, this plant species exhibits strong resistance characterized by hypersensitivity reactions and the accumulation of secondary metabolites like terpenes and phenolics. Beyond its defense against plant predators, the fruit pericarp of Psidium guineense also serves as an effective antimicrobial agent. Specifically, extracts from the plant have proven active in screening tests against the penicillin G resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. These dual capabilities highlight the plant's importance in both agricultural resilience and folk medicine.
Preparations
Parts used
Psidium guineense is a significant species within the Myrtaceous family, specifically recognized for its fruit. Research into Argentine folk medicine has highlighted the antimicrobial potential of the plant's fruit pericarp against various microorganisms. Beyond its medicinal properties, the fruit of this species is also studied for its complex chemical profile. Specifically, volatile analysis of the fruit reveals that limonene, ethyl butanoate, and epi-β-bisabolol are among its primary constituents. These diverse chemical compounds contribute to the plant's overall importance in both nutritional and medicinal applications.