milkweed
Asclepias · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepia, is a versatile genus of flowering plants celebrated for its ecological importance. Renowned as the essential host for monarch butterflies, it offers medicinal potential through its complex phytochemicals. Traditionally used in various cultures, its unique latex and nectar provide fascinating insights into herbal pharmacology.
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- milkweed
- butterfly plants
- milkweeds
Scientific Names
Accepted name
AsclepiasSynonyms
- Podostigma
- Oxypteryx
- Anthanotis
- Odontostelma
- Oligoron
- Biventraria
- Asclepiodora
- Asclepiodella
- Aidomene
- Acerotis
- Anantherix
- Trachycalymma
- Solanoa
- Acerates
- Otanema
- Otaria
- Polyotus
- Podostemma
- Onistis
- Stylandra
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Acerates
- Esmeraldia
- Podostemma
- Podostigma
- Biventraria
- Asclepiodora
- Asclepiodella
- Anantherix
- Schizonotus
- Oxypteryx
- Solanoa
German:
- Seidenpflanzen
- Seidenpflanze
- Seidenpflanze
- Seidenpflanzen
French:
- Asclépiade
- Asclépiades
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Gentianaales and the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Asclepias.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within the borders of Sweden. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is found in the landscapes of Austria and Belgium. Its range further extends through the territories of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the country of Germany.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Hungary |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands |
| Middle Europe | Poland |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Asclepias has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cardenolides, Cardenolide.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cardenolides | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardenolide | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cardenolides
- The Journal of animal ecology
- Ecology letters
Cardenolide
- The Journal of animal ecology
Activities
Asclepias has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cardiotonic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiotonic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cardiotonic
- Ciba Foundation symposium