Fontainea picrosperma
Appearance
Fontainea picrosperma | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Fontainea |
Species: | F. picrosperma
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Binomial name | |
Fontainea picrosperma C.T.White [1]
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Fontainea picrosperma, commonly known as the blushwood tree, is a rainforest tree in the family Euphorbiaceae endemic to Queensland in Australia, where it grows on the Atherton Tablelands.[2]
Uses
[edit]An anti-cancer drug known as EBC-46 has been developed from an extract of the fruits of Fontainea picrosperma. Trials have shown that it has activity against four different types of tumours, including basal-cell carcinoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma. The fruits are toxic to humans if eaten.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Fontainea picrosperma C.T.White". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
- ^ a b Bateman, Daniel (24 August 2016). "Poison fears over berries of tree used for anti-cancer cure". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 16 April 2017.