Serjania lethalis

Serjania lethalis, commonly known as the "poison tree" in some regions, is a significant medicinal plant found across tropical Africa. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including skin infections and inflammation, offering vast potential for pharmacological research and modern therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Serjania lethalis
  • Family: Sapindaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Sapindaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Serjania, specifically as the species Serjaniat lethalis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Sapindaceae WCVP
Genus Serjania WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Serjanias lethalis, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the "Serjania" or "Serjania lethalis," while in Portuguese, it is known as "Serjânia." In Spanish, the plant is called "Serjania."
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across various regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, it can be found growing within the territories of both Bolivia and Peru. Its presence is also significant across the extensive landscape of Brazil. Specifically, the species is documented in the West-Central, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. This wide range highlights its ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions across the region.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Serjania lethalis, possesses various anatomical components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The overall structure of the stem provides the essential framework for the plant's growth and support. Specifically, the stems serve as the conduits for nutrients, while the stem bark is often harvested for its unique phytochemical properties. Additionally, the lush green leaves are a significant part of the plant, frequently used in decoctions or topical applications for their therapeutic benefits.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Serjania lethalis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include nitric oxide.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
nitric oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Serjania lethalis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆