Tacca leontopetaloides
Tacca leontopetaloides, commonly known as a species of Bat Flower, is a unique medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, its diverse chemical constituents offer potential therapeutic properties. This introduction explores its botanical characteristics, traditional uses, and the growing scientific interest in its bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Tacca leontopetaloides
- Family: Dioscoreaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales, it falls under the family Dioscoreaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Tacca as Tacca leontopetaloides.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Dioscoreales | WCVP |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tacca | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, Tacca leontopetaloides, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several nations in West Tropical Africa. Within this region, it can be found growing in the territory of Benin. Its presence is also documented in Burkina Faso, contributing to its regional spread. Additionally, the species extends its range into the coastal and inland areas of the Gambia. Finally, the plant is known to inhabit parts of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau.
| 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-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
Chemicals
Tacca leontopetaloides has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include taccalonolide A.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| taccalonolide A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tacca leontopetaloides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmaniasis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |