Willughbeia edulis
Willughbeia edulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
scientifically known as Willughbeia edulis, is a versatile tropical climber native to West Africa. Commonly called the African velvet apple, this plant produces large, nutritious fruits. Beyond its dietary value, various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments, showcasing its significant ethnobotanical importance.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Fruit
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Willughbeia Cochinchinensis · Willughbeia Martabanica · 8 more
Names
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Willughbeia edulisSynonyms
- Willughbeia cochinchinensis
- Willughbeia martabanica
- Pacouria roxburghii
- Ambelania edulis
- Ancylocladus curtisianus
- Ancylocladus edulis
- Ancylocladus cochinchinensis
- Willughbeia curtisiana
- Willughbeia kontumensis
- Willughbeia dulcis
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Gentianales, it is a member of the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Willughbeia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Willughbeia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the region of Assam and throughout Bangladesh. Its presence extends into the Indo-China peninsula, where it inhabits the landscapes of Cambodia. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Laos. Finally, its natural range includes the territory of Myanmar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Willughbei most commonly known as the wild durian, is recognized for its large, fleshy fruits which serve as a primary component in its traditional use. These fruits consist of a thick, woody rind that protects the nutritious, edible pulp inside, which is often sought after for its unique flavor and texture. Beyond their culinary value, the different components of the fruits are sometimes utilized in various folk medicinal practices, highlighting the importance of this specific plant part in the species' overall profile.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | PeerJ (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Willughbeia edulis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretic | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| crude ethanol extracts | Molecular medicine reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |