Fontainea picrosperma

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Fontainea picrosperma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Fontainea
Species:
F. picrosperma
Binomial name
Fontainea picrosperma
C.T.White [1]

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

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

  1. ^ "Fontainea picrosperma C.T.White". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  2. ^ 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.