Anastatica hierochuntica
Anastatica hierochuntica, commonly known as the Rose of Jericho, is a unique desert plant famed for its remarkable resurrection abilities. Capable of surviving extreme dehydration, it curls into a tight ball before blooming upon contact with water, offering significant medicinal potential in treating respiratory issues and inflammatory skin conditions.
- Scientific name: Anastatica hierochuntica
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales, specifically within the family Brassicaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Anastatica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Brassicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Anastatica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Anastatica hierochuntica, is recognized by various regional names across the globe. In Russian, it is referred to as Иерэхонская роза, while in Chinese, it is called 含生草. In Portuguese, it is commonly known as Anastatica, and in Croatian, it bears the name Ruža Jerihona. Additionally, in German, the species is identified as die Echte Rose von Jericho.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Иерихонская роза | Wikidata |
| zh | 含生草 | Wikidata |
| pt | Anastatica | Wikidata |
| hr | Ruža Jerihona | Wikidata |
| de | Echte Rose von Jericho | Wikidata |
| pl | Anastatika rezurekcyjna | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Genggam Fatimah | Wikidata |
| dv | މަރިޔަންމާ | Wikidata |
| fi | jerikonruusu | Wikidata |
| nl | Anastatica | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Anastatica hierochuntica, is primarily found across the arid landscapes of Northern Africa. Its distribution is notably widespread, stretching through the vast territories of Algeria and Egypt. In addition to these regions, the species can be found growing in the natural habitats of Libya. The plant's presence also extends to the western reaches of the continent, specifically within Morocco. Finally, its geographical range encompasses the northern coastal areas of Tunisia, making it a key feature of the local desert flora.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the Rose of Jericho, is a unique desert survivor where almost the entire organism plays a role in its medicinal and botanical profile. While the whole plants are most famous for their dramatic ability to curl into tight, protective balls when dried, each specific part contributes to its character. The roots serve as a sturdy anchor in sandy soils, while the stem provides the structural framework for the plant's survival in arid climates. Although it is often studied for its resilience, the leaves and the specialized fruits are essential components of its lifecycle, with the seeds contained within the fruits often being the focus of its restorative properties when the plant undergoes its remarkable rehydration process.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole plants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Anastatica hierochuntica has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Anastatin A, Anastatin B, chlorogenic acid, flavonoid.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anastatin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anastatin B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neochlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Anastatica hierochuntica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Anastatica hierochuntica has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include SARS-CoV-2, infection, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| SARS-CoV-2 | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |