Arisaema

Arisaema, commonly known as jack-in-the-pulpit or cobra lily, is a fascinating genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. Renowned for their unique, hooded inflorescences, these perennials play vital roles in forest ecosystems. While historically used in traditional medicine, many species contain calcium oxalate crystals, requiring careful handling.

  • Scientific name: Arisaema
  • Family: Araceae
  • 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 Alismatales, it is classified under the family Araceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Arisaema.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Alismatales WCVP
Family Araceae WCVP
Genus Arisaema WCVP

Common Names

This plant, belonging to the genus Ariisaema, is known by various common names across different linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 天南星属 (zh-hans) and 天南星属 (zh-cn), as well as 天南星属 in Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is identified as 天南星屬 (zh-hant) and 天南星屬 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 天南星属 Wikidata
zh-hant 天南星屬 Wikidata
zh-hk 天南星屬 Wikidata
zh-cn 天南星属 Wikidata
zh-sg 天南星属 Wikidata
zh-tw 天南星屬 Wikidata
pl Arizema Wikidata
ru Аризема Wikidata
ja テンナンショウ属 Wikidata
az Arizema Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the tropical regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Burundi, Rwanda, and the DR Congo. Its presence extends further east into the diverse terrains of Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, documented populations exist within the borders of Ethiopia and Somalia. Consequently, the geographical range of Arisaema spans from the central heart of the continent to its northeastern reaches.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Sudan-South Sudan WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
Russian Far East Khabarovsk WCVP

Chemicals

Arisaema has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Arisaema has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Arisaema has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, parasitic diseases.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
parasitic diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆