Vachellia tortilis
Vachellia tortilis, commonly known as the Umbrellathe tree, is a distinctive succulent shrub native to arid African regions. Renowned for its umbrella-like canopy, this resilient species plays a vital role in desert ecosystems. Traditionally, its various parts are utilized in medicinal practices to treat diverse ailments across many cultures.
- Scientific name: Vachellia tortilis
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, falling into the family Fabaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Vachellia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vachellia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the northern regions of the African continent. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Algeria and Egypt. Its range also extends through the territories of Libya and Morocco. Furthermore, the species is present in the country of Tunisia. Collectively, these locations highlight its presence across several North African nations.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
Activities
Vachellia tortilis has 8 reported activities identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vachellia tortilis has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, asthma, burns, cancer.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Toxoplasma gondii | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| burns | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |