Spachea lactescens

Spachea lactescens, commonly known as a medicinal shrub in various tropical regions, is valued for its unique therapeutic properties. Often utilized in traditional herbal medicine, this plant is recognized for its potential bioactive compounds. Exploring its botanical characteristics and ethnobotanical uses provides vital insights into natural healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Spachea lactescens
  • Family: Malpighiaceae
  • 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 Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Malpighiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Spachea, specifically as the species Spachea lactescens.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Malpighiaceae WCVP
Genus Spachea WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by the following common name: Spachea lactescens (Ducke) R.F.Almeida & M.Pell. in Portuguese.
Language Common Name Source
mul Spachea lactescens (Ducke) R.F.Almeida & M.Pell. Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Spachea lactescens, exhibits a specific pattern of occurrence within South America. Its documented presence is currently centered within the borders of Brazil. More precisely, the species is found inhabiting the northern regions of this large nation. This concentrated distribution suggests that the environmental conditions of Northern Brazil are ideal for its growth. Consequently, the geographical range of this medicinal plant is primarily defined by this specific Brazilian territory.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Spachea lactescens, utilizes its stem bark as a significant component in traditional medicinal applications. The stem bark contains specific bioactive compounds that are often extracted or decocted to harness its therapeutic properties. In various ethnobotanical practices, the bark is carefully harvested from the woody stems to prepare remedies intended to address various health concerns, making it a vital part of the plant's medicinal profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Stem Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Spachea lactescens has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆