Psychotria milnei

Psychotria milnei, commonly known as a medicinal shrub within the Rubiaceae family, is a botanical treasure valued for its therapeutic potential. Native to specific tropical ecosystems, this plant contains bioactive compounds utilized in traditional healing practices to address various ailments, offering significant interest for modern pharmacological research and ethnobotany.

  • Scientific name: Psychotria milnei
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Pacific

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Psychotria, with its species designation being milnei.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Psychotria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Psychotria milnei, is known by various local names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as Milnei's psychotria, while in Portuguese, it is known as psychotria de milnei.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific regions of the Southwestern Pacific. Its natural habitat includes the island nation of Fiji, where it grows in local ecosystems. Additionally, the species can be located within the archipelago of Vanuatu. These two locations represent the known geographical extent for this particular medicinal species. Therefore, its distribution is limited to these specific island territories in the Pacific Ocean.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Pacific Fiji WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Vanuatu WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Psychotria milnei, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The stem bark is often harvested for its specific chemical constituents, which may hold therapeutic potential when processed. Additionally, the aerial parts, which encompass the leaves and stems above the ground, are frequently collected and used in decoctions or infusions to harness the plant's bioactive properties.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆