Trichilia glabra

Trichilia glabra, commonly known as the smooth sandalwood or limba tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, its bark, leaves, and seeds are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to digestive issues and inflammation.

  • Scientific name: Trichilia glabra
  • Family: Meliaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Meliaceae and is situated within the genus Trichilia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Meliaceae WCVP
Genus Trichilia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Trichilia glabra, is recognized by various local names depending on the region and language. In Arabic, it is commonly referred to as رقاع أمرد.
Language Common Name Source
ar رقاع أمرد Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of North and Central America. Within Mexico, its range extends from the coastal areas of the Gulf to the arid landscapes of the Southwest. It is also commonly found throughout the Southeast portion of the country. Moving into Central America, the species can be identified within the borders of Belize. Finally, its distribution reaches as far south as the tropical environments of Costa Rica.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Caribbean Cayman Is. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the smooth sandpaper tree, utilizes its leaf as a significant component in various traditional medicinal applications. The foliage is characterized by its compound structure and serves as a vital source of bioactive compounds that are often extracted for their therapeutic potential. In many local practices, the leaves are processed to treat different ailments, highlighting the importance of this specific plant part in the botanical study of Trichilia glabra.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Trichilia glabra has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Trichilia glabra has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆