Psiloxylon mauritianum

Psiloxylon mauritianum, commonly known as the Brazilian rosewood or pau-rosa, is a significant medicinal plant native to the Atlantic Forest. Renowned for its aromatic properties, its essential oils possess potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, making it a valuable resource in traditional healing and modern pharmacological research for skin treatments.

  • Scientific name: Psiloxylon mauritianum
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. It is specifically identified by its genus, Psiloxylon, and its species, Psiloxylon mauritianum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Myrtaceae WCVP
Genus Psiloxylon WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Psiloxylon mauritianum, is referred to by various names depending on the language and region. In Portuguese, it is commonly called Psiloxylon, while in Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional) it is known as 裸木. In Korean, the plant is identified as 프실록실론, and in French, it is referred to under the name Psiloxylaceae.
Language Common Name Source
pt Psiloxylon Wikidata
zh-hans 裸木 Wikidata
zh-hk 裸木 Wikidata
ko 프실록실론 Wikidata
fr Psiloxylaceae Wikidata
ru Псилоксилон Wikidata
es Psiloxylon Wikidata
nl Psiloxylaceae Wikidata
nb Psiloxylaceae Wikidata
be Psiloxylon Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Psiloxython mauritianum, possesses a specific and limited natural range. Its geographical distribution is primarily centered within the Western Indian Ocean region. Specifically, this species can be found growing natively on the island of Mauritius. Additionally, its presence extends to the nearby island of Réunion. These two island locations represent the known extent of its natural habitat.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Psychotria mauritiana (often referred to in botanical studies related to its medicinal properties), utilizes its leaves as a primary component in traditional healing practices. The leaves are typically characterized by their glossy, elliptical shape and prominent venation, serving as the main site for the concentration of bioactive alkaloids. When processed, these leaves are often used in decoctions or topical applications to harness their specific pharmacological effects.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Psiloxylon mauritianum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic Acid, asiatic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, corosolic acid, kaempferol.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Gallic Acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
asiatic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeoylquinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
corosolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Psiloxylon mauritianum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hypolipidemic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypolipidemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Psiloxylon mauritianum has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, amenorrhea, dengue virus, dysentery, infectious diseases.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
amenorrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dengue virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysentery 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆