Raphia hookeri

Raphia hookeri, commonly known as the African Raphia palm, is a versatile tropical plant significant in West African ecosystems. Renowned for its multifunctional utility, it provides essential materials for construction, weaving, and food. Beyond its economic value, various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional medicinal practices.

  • Scientific name: Raphia hookeri
  • Family: Arecaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Raphia hookeri, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Arecales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Arecaceae and is situated within the genus Raphia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Arecales WCVP
Family Arecaceae WCVP
Genus Raphia WCVP

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Benin. Its range also extends into the nation of Gambia. Additionally, the species is present in Ghana and Guinea. Finally, its geographical presence includes the Ivory Coast.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP

Chemicals

Raphia hookeri has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ca, Fe, Mg, P, ascorbic acid.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Ca 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fe 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mg 1 ★☆☆☆☆
P 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ascorbic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cholesterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
niacin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
riboflavin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆