Amphiachyris dracunculoides

Amphiachyris dracunculoides, commonly known as the Dragon's Breath herb, is a rare medicinal plant endemic to remote montane rainforests. Renowned for its unique phytochemical profile, it is traditionally used by indigenous healers to treat inflammatory ailments and support respiratory health, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Amphiachyris dracunculoides
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Amphiachyris, and its species name, dracunculoides.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Amphiachyris WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Amphiachyris dracunculoides, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is referred to as dragon's claw, while in Spanish, it is commonly called uña de dragón. In Portuguese, the plant is known as garra de dragão, and in the local context of its native regions, it may also be called drakonclaw.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, Amphiachyris dracunculoides, exhibits a specific range within the North-Central United States. Its distribution is primarily concentrated across several key Midwestern states. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Illinois and Iowa. The species also extends its presence into the territories of Kansas and Missouri. Finally, its geographical reach includes the state of Nebraska.

Region Area Source
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Iowa WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Kansas WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Nebraska WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Oklahoma WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New York WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Ohio WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Pennsylvania WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Amphiachyris dracunculoides, is characterized by its medicinal properties derived primarily from its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems and leaves, are the components typically utilized in traditional applications. By focusing on the aerial parts, practitioners can harvest the plant's bioactive compounds that are exposed to sunlight and air, making it a key focus for botanical study and herbal preparation.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Amphiachyris dracunculoides has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gutierolide.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
gutierolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆