Tetracera potatoria
Tetracera potatoria, commonly known as the "water vine," is a versatile climbing shrub native to Southeast Asia. Renowned in traditional medicine, its succulent stems provide potable water and offer therapeutic properties. It is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation, fever, and digestive issues, through its bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Tetracera potatoria
- Family: Dilleniaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Tetracera potatoira, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Dillenialales and the family Dilleniaceae. It is further identified by the genus Tetracera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Dilleniales | WCVP |
| Family | Dilleniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tetracera | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Tetracera potatoria, is known by various names across different regions and languages. In English, it is frequently referred to as the climbing tetracerra, while in French, it is called tétracère potatoire. Its regional identities also include the names tecera potatoria in Spanish and tétracère potatoire in other Francophone contexts.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several countries within the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the nation of Benin. It can also be found spreading through the territories of Burkina and Gambia. Furthermore, the species inhabits the coastal and inland areas of Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical range extends into the country of Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | 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 | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Tetracera podotria, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, particularly its stem bark and leaves. The stem bark is often harvested for its specific bioactive compounds, while the leaves serve as another vital part of the plant used in traditional remedies. Together, these botanical structures contribute to the overall therapeutic potential of the species.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tetracera potatoria has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tetracera potatoria has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include respiratory infections.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| respiratory infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |