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Embelia schimperi

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Embelia schimperi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Embelia
Species:
E. schimperi
Binomial name
Embelia schimperi
Vatke

Embelia schimperi is a shrubby climber or small tree within the family Primulaceae.

Description

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Embelia schimperi is a shrub or small tree that is capable of reaching 6 m (20 ft) in height with a red to brownish bark that is usually smooth. Branches are lenticellate and the stems are smooth and free of hair.[1] Leaves are oblong to ovate in outline; leaflets can reach up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and 5 cm (2.0 in) in width, they tend to be cuneate or obtuse at the base and rounded or obtuse at the apex.[1] Inflorescence is arranged in axillary racemes and are dense with up to 30 flowers bunched together. The flowers are cream colored, the petals are up to 3 mm (0.12 in) long and black dotted. Fruit is 1 seeded, reddish in color and drupe like with globose in shape.[1]

Chemistry

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A type of benzoquinone, Embelin, 2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl- 1,4-benzoquinone has been isolated from dry fruits of Embelia schimperi.[2]

Uses

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Among the Maasai people, dry fruit and root extracts of the species is used as an antihelmintic, specifically against the tapeworm, Taenia saginata.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Dale, Ivan Robert; Greenway, Percy James (1961). Kenya Trees & Shrubs. Nairobi: Buchanan's Kenya Estates. p. 330.
  2. ^ a b B∅gh, Henrik O.; Andreassen, J∅rn; Lemmich, John (1996). "Anthelmintic usage of extracts of Embelia schimperi from Tanzania". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 50 (1): 35–42. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(95)01322-9. PMID 8778505.