Homalanthus nutans
Appearance
Homalanthus nutans | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Homalanthus |
Species: | H. nutans
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Binomial name | |
Homalanthus nutans (G. Forst.) Guill.
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Homalanthus nutans, known locally as the mamala tree, is a species of plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Samoan healers use a concoction made from the bark to treat hepatitis. Research has indicated that a chemical from the bark called prostratin has in vitro activity against HIV.[1]
References
- ^ Field, M. (2005). "Samoa forest holds secret of future drugs". Pacific Islands Report. Archived from the original on 2 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.