Sarcococca coriacea

Sarcococca coriacea, commonly known as the "leather-leaf" tree, is a significant medicinal plant found in tropical forest ecosystems. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments. Modern pharmacological studies continue to explore its potential applications in developing new therapeutic agents for human health.

  • Scientific name: Sarcococca coriacea
  • Family: Buxaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Buxales and the family Buxaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sarcococca.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Buxales WCVP
Family Buxaceae WCVP
Genus Sarcococca WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Sarcococca coriacea, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the leatherleaf berry, while in Spanish, it is known as mora de monte, mora de monte negra, or mora de monte silvestre. In Portuguese, it is frequently called amora-de-monte or amora-silvestre.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is well-documented in India, Nepal, and the Assam region. It can also be found inhabiting the specific ecological zones of the East Himalaya. Additionally, the species extends its range into the South-Central parts of China. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across different subtropical environments.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Sarcococca coriacea, utilizes various anatomical structures to support its medicinal properties and survival. The root system serves as a vital foundation, anchoring the plant into the soil while facilitating the absorption of essential nutrients and water necessary for its growth. Meanwhile, the leaves play a crucial role in photosynthesis, capturing sunlight to produce energy, and are often the primary parts studied for their specific bioactive compounds used in traditional medicinal applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sarcococca coriacea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-nepapakistamine A, (-)-vaganine D.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-nepapakistamine A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-vaganine D 1 ★☆☆☆☆