Psorospermum aurantiacum

Psorospermum aurantiacum, commonly known as the orange-flowered sorrel, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to various African landscapes. Renowned for its vibrant blooms, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional healers utilize its unique chemical properties to treat diverse ailments, showcasing its vital role in regional herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Psorospermum aurantiacum
  • Family: Hypericaceae
  • 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 organized into the order Malpighiales and the family Hypericaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Psorospermum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Hypericaceae WCVP
Genus Psorospermum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Psorospermum aurantiacum, is known by various common names depending on the regional language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the orange psorospermum, while in Afrikaans, it is commonly called oranje-psorospermum.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is notably documented in Nigeria. Moving eastward, it can also be found within the West-Central Tropical Africa zone. Specifically, the species is recorded to grow in Cameroon. Consequently, its natural habitat appears to be limited to these particular West and West-Central African territories.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP

Chemicals

Psorospermum aurantiacum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bianthrone 1a, kenganthranol B, vismin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
bianthrone 1a 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kenganthranol B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vismin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Psorospermum aurantiacum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include melanoma.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
melanoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆