Embelia schimperi is a shrubby climber or small tree within the family Primulaceae.
| Embelia schimperi | |
|---|---|
Scientific 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 | |
Description
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
A type of benzoquinone, Embelin, 2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl- 1,4-benzoquinone has been isolated from dry fruits of Embelia schimperi.[2]
Uses
Among the Maasai people, dry fruit and root extracts of the species is used as an antihelmintic, specifically against the tapeworm, Taenia saginata.[2]