Senegalia polyacantha

Senegalia polyacantha, commonly known as the many-spined acacia, is a resilient woody plant native to various African landscapes. Valued in traditional medicine, its bark and leaves possess significant therapeutic properties. Often used to treat inflammatory conditions and digestive ailments, this species remains a vital component of regional ethnobotanical practices.

  • Scientific name: Senegalia polyacantha
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Fabales and is a member of the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Senegalia and the species polyacantha.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Senegalia polyacantha, is recognized by its specific common name in various linguistic contexts; in Chinese, it is referred to as 多刺相思树 (Duō cì xiāngsī shù).
Language Common Name Source
zh 多刺相思树 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Senegalia polyacantha, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its natural habitat encompasses several distinct countries within this geographic zone. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the landscapes of Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, the plant's range extends through the territories of Gambia and Ghana. Finally, its geographical presence is also confirmed within the borders of Guinea.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina 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 Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Senegalia polyacantha, possesses several components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The root is often harvested for its specific medicinal potency, while the leaf provides essential bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. Furthermore, the plant's structural components, including the stem bark and the general bark, are significant parts employed in various preparations to harness its healing potential.
Total parts
5
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stem Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Senegalia polyacantha has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆