Tragia benthamii
Tragia benthamii, commonly known as the nettle tree, is a distinctive medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, it is recognized for its stinging hairs. Traditionally, various parts of this plant are utilized in folk medicine to treat skin irritations and inflammatory conditions effectively.
- Scientific name: Tragia benthamii
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Tragia benthamii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Tragia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tragia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Tragia benthamii, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as bentham's tragia, while in Zulu, it is known as isitshatshazi.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Tragia benthamii, is native to the West Tropical Africa region. Its specific geographical distribution spans several distinct countries within this zone. In particular, it can be found growing in the territories of Benin and Ghana. The species is also documented to inhabit parts of the Ivory Coast and Togo. Furthermore, its presence extends into the large West African nation of Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Equatorial Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Tragia benthamii, utilizes various morphological structures for its biological functions and traditional medicinal applications. The leaves are a primary feature, typically characterized by their specific shape and venation patterns which are essential for photosynthesis and identification. Additionally, the bark of the stem and branches serves as a protective outer layer for the plant's vascular system, and in certain ethnobotanical practices, it may be harvested for its specific chemical properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tragia benthamii has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tragia benthamii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include reproductive health.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| reproductive health | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |