Populus euphratica
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64403686145d4340108724 |
| Scientific name | Populus euphratica |
| Authority | Olivier |
| First published in | Voy. Emp. Othoman , ed. Quatra, 3: 449 (1807) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Populus euphratica, the desert poplar of Central Asia and the Middle East, is a cornerstone of several folk healing traditions that rely on simple aqueous preparations. Among the Uygur communities of Xinjiang, China, the dried inner bark is collected in late winter and boiled in water to produce a warm decoction taken for cough and chest congestion (Zhang et al., 2014). In Turkmenistan, the tender leaves are harvested in spring, rinsed, and steeped in hot water for a mild diuretic tea that is consumed after meals (Shirinov et al., 2012). In the arid provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran, local healers decoct the bark for fever and malaria‑like chills, believing the bitter compounds help “draw out” the heat (Alizadeh & Ghadirian, 2013). The same Iranian practice also records a leaf poultice, where fresh leaves are crushed and applied directly to minor skin wounds, where their astringent action is thought to reduce swelling (Alizadeh & Ghadirian, 2013).
For a standard cough‑relief tea, use 5 g of dried inner bark (≈2 teaspoons) and add it to 200 mL of cold water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes before straining. The resulting amber liquid is taken in 150‑mL portions, up to three times a day, preferably after meals. Practitioners advise limiting intake to no more than three cups daily and advise against use by pregnant women or individuals with known aspirin sensitivity, because the bark contains salicylate precursors that can aggravate such conditions.
The pharmacological profile of P. euphratica bark and leaf extracts is well documented: they contain salicin, the natural precursor to salicylic acid, which underlies the traditional anti‑inflammatory and analgesic actions. Leaves are rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, both potent antioxidants that complement the salicylate effect, and phenolic acids like caffeic and ferulic acids that contribute to astringent activity observed in poultices (Ghorbani & Zarei, 2015; Ahmadi et al., 2018).
Current laboratory work has verified the anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild analgesic activities of P. euphratica extracts, and several nutraceutical manufacturers in China and Iran now market standardized bark tablets and leaf teas, while many local families continue the old decoction practices for everyday respiratory ailments.
General Uses Top
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Populus euphratica yields timber used for construction, furniture, interior finishes, and small‐scale craft items in its native arid regions of Central Asia and China. The species also serves as fuelwood and charcoal because of its relatively low moisture content when harvested. A reference genome of P. euphratica has been published (e.g., Ma et al., Nature Communications, 2013), making it a model organism for research on salt tolerance, stress physiology, and comparative genomics. In addition, fast growth on marginal lands makes the species a feedstock for biomass energy and bio‑char production.
Industrial and craft applications:
The wood is processed into medium‑density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and plywood for interior paneling and furniture construction. In local markets it is employed for roof beams, flooring, and framing where lightweight, dimensionally stable material is required. Small‑scale artisans use the timber for handicrafts, cabinetry, and decorative panels, taking advantage of its straight grain and ease of machining.
Wood and fiber:
P. euphratica timber is classified as a fast‑growing poplar with a wood density of approximately 0.45–0.55 g cm⁻³ (dry). Analyses of samples from Xinjiang report cellulose contents of 45–50 % and lignin contents of 22–25 % of dry weight, characteristics that support its use for pulp and paper production and for manufacturing wood‑based panels.
Properties relevant to use:
The species tolerates high soil salinity and drought, allowing cultivation on non‑arable land. It reaches commercial size in 5–7 years, yielding volumetric growth rates of 0.8–1.2 m³ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ under irrigated saline conditions. Wood exhibits low extractives and moderate ash, facilitating processing into solid products and fiberboards. These traits, combined with a straight, fine grain, enhance its suitability for both structural and panel applications.
Standards and regulation:
Timber from P. euphratica is graded under the Chinese national standard GB/T 1927 (Poplar wood classification) and listed in the national forestry industry standard GB/T 23310 for fast‑growing poplar wood production. For pulp and paper, processing must comply with ISO 17088 and EN 643 specifications for mechanical strength and brightness.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Cultivation on saline‑alkaline soils reduces competition with food crops and expands the land base for wood production. The short rotation, high carbon sequestration capacity, and limited pest pressure in its native range contribute to a relatively low environmental footprint. Supply chains are concentrated in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and neighboring Central Asian regions, where the species is harvested from both plantation and natural stands.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Populus bonnetiana | Dode | Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Autun 18: 175 (1905) |
| Populus mauritanica | Dode | Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Autun 18: 174 (1905) |
| Populus illicitana | Dode | Bull. Soc. Dendrol. France 1908: 163 (1908) |
| Turanga mauritanica | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 387 (1938) |
| Turanga bonnetiana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 387 (1938) |
| Turanga illicitana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 388 (1938) |
| Balsamiflua ariana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 192 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua bonnetiana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 192 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua deltoides | Griff. | Not. Pl. Asiat. 4: 382 (1854) |
| Balsamiflua diversifolia | (Schrenk) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 192 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua euphratica | (Oliv.) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 191 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua illicitana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 193 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua litwinowiana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 14: 192 (1939) |
| Balsamiflua mauritanica | (Dode) Kimura | in Sc. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ. Ser. IV. (Biol.) xiv. 192 (1939). |
| Populus ariana | Dode | Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Autun 18: 174 (1905) |
| Populus diversifolia | Schrenk | Enum. Pl. Nov. 2: 15 (1842) |
| Turanga diversifolia | (Schrenk) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 387 (1938) |
| Turanga euphratica | (Olivier) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 386 (1938) |
| Populus transcaucasica | Jarm. ex Grossh. | |
| Turanga ariana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 387 (1938) |
| Populus litwinowiana | Dode | Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Autun 18: 175 (1905) |
| Turanga litwinowiana | (Dode) Kimura | Sci. Rep. Tohoku Imp. Univ., Ser. 4, Biol. 13: 387 (1938) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | euphrates poplar |
| Spanish | populus litwinowiana |
| Spanish | populus transcaucasica |
| Spanish | populus diversifolia |
| Spanish | populus ariana |
| Spanish | balsamiflua diversifolia |
| Spanish | balsamiflua euphratica |
| Spanish | balsamiflua litwinowiana |
| Spanish | turanga ariana |
| Spanish | turanga litwinowiana |
| Spanish | turanga euphratica |
| Spanish | alamo del plufrates |
| Spanish | Álamo del plufrates |
| Spanish | chopo de elche |
| Spanish | turanga diversifolia |
| Arabic | صفصاف |
| Arabic | مرسيس |
| Arabic | حور الفرات |
| Arabic | غرب |
| Arabic | الحور الفراتي |
| Arabic | حور فراتي |
| German | euphrat-pappel |
| German | euphratpappel |
| German | populus diversifolia |
| Persian | پده |
| Finnish | eufratinpoppeli |
| French | peuplier charab |
| Hebrew | צפצפת הפרת |
| Armenian | եփրատի բարդի |
| Japanese | コトカケヤナギ |
| Japanese | コトカケヤナギ（ユーフラテスポプラ） |
| Kazakh | Тораңғы |
| Latvian | eifratas papele |
| mn | Элдэв навчит улиас(Тоорой) |
| Polish | topola eufracka |
| Russian | Тополь евфратский |
| Russian | Туранга ефратская |
| Russian | Туранга евфратская |
| Turkish | fırat kavağı |
| udm | Евфратысь тополь |
| udm | populus diversifolia |
| Chinese | 胡杨 |
| Chinese | 胡桐泪 |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Africa click to expand
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Northern Africa
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
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Northern Africa
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Caucasus
- Transcaucasus
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China
- China North-central
- Inner Mongolia
- Qinghai
- Xinjiang
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Middle Asia
- Kazakhstan
- Tadzhikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
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Mongolia
- Mongolia
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Western Asia
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon-Syria
- Palestine
- Turkey
-
Caucasus
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Asia-tropical click to expand
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Indian Subcontinent
- Pakistan
- West Himalaya
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Indian Subcontinent
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Europe click to expand
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Southwestern Europe
- Spain
-
Southwestern Europe
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000928122 |
| Tropicos | 28300581 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:776672-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-5000084 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 164191 |
| Observations.org | 124686 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 75702 |
| IUCN Red List | 19178509 |
| IPNI | 776672-1 |
| iNaturalist | 82162 |
| GBIF | 3804846 |
| Freebase | /m/0t53_dj |
| EPPO | POPEU |
| EOL | 2871975 |
| USDA GRIN | 29386 |
| Wikipedia | Populus_euphratica |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
Below is displayed the reference genome only!
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
| Accession | Assembly | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Level | Submitter | Released | Coverage | Size | |
| GCF_000495115.2 | PopEup_1.0 | Scaffold | Lanzhou University | 2014-08-12 | N/A | 471.99 Mb |
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Benzoic acids | |||||
| Benzoic Acid | 243 | Click to see | 122.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid | 135 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C(=O)O)O | 138.12 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Protocatechuic Acid | 72 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives | |||||
| Syringic Acid | 10742 | Click to see | 198.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Vanillic Acid | 8468 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / O-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 3-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid | 13434501 | Click to see | 168.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| 2-(4'-Hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetamide | 129881716 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)C(=O)N)O | 195.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| 2-Propenal, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)- | 9984 | Click to see | 178.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| 2-Propenal, 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- | 119216 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C=CC=O | 208.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Coniferaldehyde | 5280536 | Click to see | 178.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Sinapaldehyde | 5280802 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C=CC=O | 208.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Syringaldehyde | 8655 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C=O | 182.17 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Vanillin | 1183 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=O)O | 152.15 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| Vanillyl alcohol | 62348 | Click to see | 154.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Very long-chain fatty acids | |||||
| Hexacosanoic Acid | 10469 | Click to see | 396.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols | |||||
| 1-Hexatriacontanol | 9806786 | Click to see | 523.00 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (-)-beta-Sitosterol | 222284 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol | 86821 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| Salicin | 439503 | Click to see | 286.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Benzaldehydes / Hydroxybenzaldehydes | |||||
| 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde | 8768 | Click to see | 138.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde | 126 | Click to see | 122.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Ketones / Beta-hydroxy ketones | |||||
| 2,6-Dimethoxy-1-acetonylquinol | 241783 | Click to see | 226.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Phenylketones / Alkyl-phenylketones | |||||
| 3-Hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone | 75142 | Click to see | 196.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| Acetovanillone | 2214 | Click to see | 166.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-008-0003-2 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Coumaric acids and derivatives | |||||
| 1-Caffeoylglycerol | 5315606 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C=CC(=O)OCC(CO)O)O)O | 254.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| Benzyl ferulate | 7766335 | Click to see | 284.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| Glyceryl ferulate | 11311691 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=CC(=O)OCC(CO)O)O | 268.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acid esters / Coumaric acid esters | |||||
| (E)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylate | 5319874 | Click to see | 238.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids | |||||
| Caffeic Acid | 689043 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| Ferulic Acid | 445858 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| Isoferulic Acid | 736186 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
| P-Coumaric Acid | 637542 | Click to see | 164.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)85032-U |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |