Alectra parasitica
Alecstra parasitica, commonly known as the parasitic dodder, is a unique medicinal plant characterized by its lack of chlorophyll. As a holoparasite, it derives nutrients directly from host plants. Traditionally, its bioactive compounds have been explored in herbal medicine for their potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties.
- Scientific name: Alectra parasitica
- Family: Orobanchaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Orobanchaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Alectra.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Orobanchaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alectra | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Alectra parasitica, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the parasitic alectra, while in French, it is known as l'alectra parasite. In Spanish, the plant is called alectra parásita, and in Portuguese, it is identified as alectra parasita.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within Cameroon. Moving toward the northeast, it can be found throughout the tropical landscapes of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The species also extends into the horn of Africa, inhabiting the territory of Somalia. Finally, its range reaches East Tropical Africa, where it is documented in Kenya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Alectra parasitica, is a parasitic herb that utilizes specialized structures to derive nutrients from its host. While the plant possesses various vegetative components, the rhizomes serve as a critical part of its biological function, aiding in its growth and survival as it attaches itself to the roots of other plants. These underground stem structures are essential for the plant's establishment and its ability to function as an effective medicinal resource.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Alectra parasitica has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include azafrin, carotenoid.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| azafrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carotenoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |