Tara spinosa
Tara spinosa, commonly known as Tara, is a versatile shrub native to South America. Renowned for its nutrient-rich pods, it serves as a vital source of tannins and gallic acid. Widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential and sustainable economic value.
- Scientific name: Tara spinosa
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by its genus name, Tara.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tara | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is specifically noted in Spain. Its range also extends to Macaronesia, where it can be found within the Canary Islands. Furthermore, it inhabits Northeast Tropical Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Finally, its distribution continues through East Tropical Africa, encompassing both Kenya and Uganda.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |