Tetraclinis articulata
Sandarac gum tree
Tetraclinis articulata, commonly known as the Atlas Cedar, is a majestic coniferous evergreen native to the Mediterranean regions of North Africa. Renowned for its aromatic, resinous wood and striking structural beauty, this resilient species holds significant ecological value and has been utilized traditionally for both medicinal and ornamental purposes.
- Scientific name: Tetraclinis articulata
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its lineage through the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is a member of the family Cupressaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Tetraclinis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Cupressaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tetraclinis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Tetraclinis articulata, is recognized by various regional names depending on the language. In German, it is referred to as the Sandarakbaum, while in Basque, it is called Tetraklino. Spanish speakers identify it simply as Tetraclinis, whereas in Finnish, it is known as the atlassypressi. Finally, in French, the species is commonly called the Cyprès de l'Atlas.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Sandarakbaum | Wikidata |
| eo | Tetraklino | Wikidata |
| es | Tetraclinis | Wikidata |
| fi | atlassypressi | Wikidata |
| fr | Cyprès de l'Atlas | Wikidata |
| gl | Tetraclinis | Wikidata |
| koi | Тетраклинис | Wikidata |
| kv | Тетраклинис | Wikidata |
| mrj | Тетраклинис | Wikidata |
| pl | Cyprzyk czteroklapowy | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in Spain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, its presence is noted in Sicilia. The species also spans across Northern Africa, appearing in Algeria and Libya. Finally, its geographical range extends further west to include Morocco.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Palestine | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Tetraclinis articulata, possesses several distinct anatomical features that contribute to its biological profile. The leaves are scale-like and arranged in a dense, overlapping fashion along the branches, giving the foliage a characteristic textured appearance. Within these tissues, the plant produces a fragrant essential oil that serves as a key component for various medicinal and aromatic applications. As the plant matures, it develops woody cones that facilitate reproduction, while the structural integrity of the organism is provided by its sturdy woods. The durable quality of this wood has historically made it a valuable resource for both construction and traditional therapeutic uses.- Total parts
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 15
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cones | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| woods | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trunk bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tetraclinis articulata has 24 reported phytochemicals identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bornyl acetate, flavonoids, (E)--Caryophyllene, (Z)-biformene, 14-hydroxy-9-epi-(E)-caryophyllene.
- Total chemicals
- 24
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bornyl acetate | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (E)--Caryophyllene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (Z)-biformene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 14-hydroxy-9-epi-(E)-caryophyllene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Na | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tetraclinis articulata has 11 reported activities identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Antiaggregant, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiaggregant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antithrombotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fibrinolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tetraclinis articulata has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, burns, colorectal carcinoma, diabetes mellitus.
- Total uses
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Leishmania infantum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania major | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| burns | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human mammary carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |