Sideroxylon obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium
Sideroxylon obtusifoliuum subsp. obtusifoilium, commonly known as the West Indian Sideroxylon, is a distinctive tropical evergreen tree. Found primarily in coastal limestone environments, this resilient species holds significant ethnobotanical value. Its various parts are traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat ailments, showcasing its importance in Caribbean biodiversity.
- Scientific name: Sideroxylon obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is situated in the family Sapotaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Sideroxylon, specifically identified as the subspecies Sideroxylon obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sideroxylon | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several regions of the Americas. In the Caribbean, it can be found specifically within the Venezuelan Antilles. Its range extends into Northern South America, where it is native to Venezuela. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed across Western South America, appearing in both Ecuador and Peru. Finally, its presence is also documented as far south as Bolivia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Venezuelan Antilles | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Sideroxylon obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine, most notably its root bark. The root bark, or rootbark, is harvested from the base of the plant and contains specific bioactive compounds that are central to its therapeutic applications. By utilizing the root bark, practitioners can access the concentrated medicinal properties stored within the plant's structural tissues.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rootbark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |