Pterocarpus angolensis

Bleedwood tree

Pterocarpus angolensis, commonly known as the Angolan Rosewood, is a significant medicinal plant native to African savannas. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from inflammation to digestive issues, offering valuable insights for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Pterocarpus angolensis
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Pterocarpus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Pterocarpus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pterocarpus angolensis, is recognized by various regional and international names depending on the language. In Estonia, it is referred to as Angoola tiibviljak, while in Korea, it is called 키아트. Within certain African linguistic traditions, it is known as Muvhangazi in Tsonga and iorócó in Ga. Additionally, in Japan, the species is commonly identified as アンゴラカリン.
Language Common Name Source
et Angoola tiibviljak Wikidata
ko 키아트 Wikidata
ts Muvhangazi Wikidata
ga iorócó Wikidata
ja アンゴラカリン Wikidata
sn Mubvamaropa Wikidata
ar توز مرجاني Wikidata
zh 安哥拉紫檀 Wikidata
zh-hans 安哥拉紫檀 Wikidata
zh-cn 安哥拉紫檀 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions within the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted in both Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species can be found in Tanzania. Its range extends into South Tropical Africa, where it is located in Angola. Finally, the plant is also documented as growing in Malawi.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Congo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Botswana WCVP
Southern Africa Caprivi Strip WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Pterocarpus angolensis, is a multipurpose medicinal resource where various components are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The leaves are frequently employed in traditional remedies to treat ailments such as fever or skin irritations, while the stem-bark and the general bark of the tree are often decocted to address digestive issues or inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the roots are known to possess significant medicinal value in various ethnobotanical practices, and even the fruits can be integrated into traditional wellness regimens.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem-bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
all parts of the tree 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pterocarpus angolensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pterocarpus angolensis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Campylobacter jejuni, Entamoeba histoLYtica, Inflammation, skin diseases.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Campylobacter jejuni 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Entamoeba histoLYtica 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆