Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is a majestic tree species renowned primarily for producing the nutrient-dense shea butter used globally. While its economic value is immense, the process of harvesting and processing its nuts can inflict significant physical pain on local laborers. Many workers endure repetitive strain and exhaustion from manual labor under harsh tropical suns to extract the precious fats. This botanical treasure thus carries a dual legacy of life-sustaining sustenance and the physical hardship of those who cultivate it. Understanding its complex relationship with human labor is essential to appreciating the full story of this remarkable plant.
- Synonyms
- Butyrospermum Mangifolium · Butyrospermum Poissonii · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is a remarkable botanical species known by several distinct names. Most frequently, it is referred to by the common name Shea butter tree due to its valuable yields. In certain regional contexts, it is also identified as the Schibutterbaum. This plant plays a vital role in various ecosystems and local economies through its unique properties. Understanding these naming conventions helps clarify the identity of this essential tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is a complex botanical entity that has been identified through numerous scientific designations. Throughout various studies, this specific subspecies has been frequently referred to by the synonym Bassia parkii. It is also recognized under the name Butyrospermum mangifolium in several taxonomic records. Researchers have further categorized it using the synonym Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii to denote its specific lineage. Additionally, the plant is known by the names Butyrospermum parkii and Butyrospermum parkii var. mangifolium within the broader scientific literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is a distinct botanical entity that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It follows the taxonomic order Ericales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, this subspecies is a member of the genus Vitellaria, a group defined by specific morphological traits. Finally, it is nested within the family Sapotaceae, highlighting its unique place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Vitellaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is a significant botanical species with a broad geographic footprint across the African continent. Its natural distribution spans from the western regions to the northeast tropical zones. In West Tropical Africa, this subspecies can be found thriving in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Moving toward the northeast, its presence extends into the landscapes of Chad and Ethiopia. This wide range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environments within the tropical African climate.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa, commonly known as shea butter, is identified as a medicinal resource used to mitigate discomfort. According to the ethnopharmacological study, this substance is utilized by practitioners to reduce pain through its analgesic and cooling effects. It is categorized among several crude drugs applied specifically to alleviate the sensations associated with skin burns. This plant product serves as a traditional remedy within the documented practices of various herbalists. Consequently, it plays a significant role in the traditional treatment of burn-related pain across the surveyed regions.