Terminalia schimperiana

Terminalia schimperiana, commonly known as the Schimper's Terminalia, is a resilient deciduous tree native to the woodlands of East Africa. Renowned for its medicinal properties, various parts of this plant are utilized in traditional healing to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to gastrointestinal issues, showcasing its significant ethnobotanical value.

  • Scientific name: Terminalia schimperiana
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Terminalia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Combretaceae WCVP
Genus Terminalia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Terminalia schimperiana, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Schimper's Terminalia, while in Swahili, it is known as Mvule wa mlimani.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as Terminalia schimperiana, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across West Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented in several countries within this diverse ecological zone. Specifically, it can be found growing in the nation of Benin. The species also extends its range into Burkina Faso and Ghana. Furthermore, the plant is located within the territories of both Guinea and Ivory Coast.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Terminalia schimperiana, offers various components that are utilized for their traditional medicinal and practical properties. The stem bark is frequently harvested for its therapeutic applications, often used in decoctions to treat various ailments. The root is also highly valued in traditional medicine, serving as a vital part of herbal remedies for its bioactive qualities. Additionally, the wood is utilized to create sturdy wooden chewing sticks, which are employed for oral hygiene and dental care.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
wooden chewing sticks 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Terminalia schimperiana has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Free-Radical Scavenging 1 ★☆☆☆☆