Sarcophyte piriei

Sarcophyte piriei, commonly known as a rare medicinal shrub, holds significant interest in ethnobotanical studies. Found in specific ecological niches, this plant is valued for its unique bioactive compounds. Researchers continue to explore its potential therapeutic applications, focusing on its ability to offer natural solutions for various health conditions.

  • Scientific name: Sarcophyte piriei
  • Family: Balanophoraceae
  • 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 Santalales, it is classified under the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Sarcophyte, with the specific species name piriei.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Balanophoraceae WCVP
Genus Sarcophyte WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Sarcophyte piriei, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the piriei, while in French, it is known as le piriei. In the local context of its native region, it is also called piriei.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in both Ethiopia and Somalia. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species is documented in Kenya and Tanzania. Additionally, its range extends into South Tropical Africa, specifically within Malawi. Overall, these locations highlight the plant's presence across diverse ecological zones in eastern and southern Africa.

Region Area Source
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Sarcophyte piriei, is characterized by its distinct underground structures, most notably its medicinal rhizome. The rhizome serves as a vital storage organ for the plant, housing the essential bioactive compounds that are often harvested for therapeutic purposes. This thickened, horizontal stem grows beneath the soil surface, allowing the plant to persist through unfavorable conditions while concentrating the specific chemical constituents sought in traditional medicine.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizome 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sarcophyte piriei has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include diinsinin, diinsininol, flavonoids, naringenin.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
diinsinin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diinsininol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
naringenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Sarcophyte piriei has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sarcophyte piriei has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, edema.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
edema 1 ★☆☆☆☆