Coffin Tree
Taiwania cryptomerioides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (22 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coffin Tree, scientifically known as Taiwania cryptomerioides, is a rare coniferous species endemic to Taiwan. Traditionally valued in folk medicine, its bark and leaves are utilized for their potential therapeutic properties. This resilient evergreen holds significant ecological importance and continues to be a subject of interest in ethnobotanical research.
Names
Common Names
- Coffin Tree
- Taiwan Cedar
- Taiwania
- Chinese coffintree
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Taiwanie
- Taiwanien
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Taiwania cryptomerioidesSynonyms
- Eotaiwania fushunensis
- Taiwania cryptomerioides var. flousiana
- Taiwania flousiana
- Taiwania fushunensis
- Taiwania yunnanensis
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Pinidae and the order Pinales, falling into the family Cupressaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Taiwania.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Cupressaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Taiwania | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia. In China, its presence is noted in both the South-Central regions and the high altitudes of Tibet. The species is also native to the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Furthermore, its range extends into the Indo-China peninsula, specifically inhabiting parts of Myanmar. Finally, it can be found growing within the tropical landscapes of Vietnam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Taiwania cryptomerioides has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ferruginol, Flavonoids, Helioxanthin, Lignans, Sterols.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Ferruginol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Helioxanthin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lignans | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sterols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Taiwanin E | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-Cadinol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Ferruginol
- Journal of natural products
Flavonoids
- Chemistry & biodiversity
Helioxanthin
- Journal of natural products
Lignans
- Chemistry & biodiversity
Sterols
- Chemistry & biodiversity
Taiwanin E
- Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
Terpenoids
- Chemistry & biodiversity
alpha-Cadinol
- Journal of natural products
Activities
Taiwania cryptomerioides has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | Chemistry & biodiversity (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Chemistry & biodiversity (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | Chemistry & biodiversity (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Taiwania cryptomerioides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | Chemistry & biodiversity (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| bark | Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole plant | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |