Asparagus africanus
Bush asparagus
Asparagus africanus, commonly known as the African asparagus, is a resilient climbing shrub native to various African regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, this plant is frequently utilized for its diverse therapeutic properties, including treating inflammation and digestive issues, making it a significant botanical resource in ethnobotanical studies worldwide.
- Scientific name: Asparagus africanus
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Asparagus africanus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Asparagales and the family Asparagaceae. Finally, its taxonomic position is defined by its placement within the genus Asparagus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asparagaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Asparagus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various names across different linguistic traditions, is referred to as Plymsparris in Swedish (sv), while in Afrikaans (af) it is called Katdoring. The Jeŋkpibrigoo name is used in Dagbani (dag), and in Arabic (ar) it is known as خرایص. Additionally, its scientific nomenclature is sometimes associated with the common name Asparagopsis lamarckii in Spanish (es).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sv | Plymsparris | Wikidata |
| af | Katdoring | Wikidata |
| dag | Jeŋkpibrigoo | Wikidata |
| ar | خريص | Wikidata |
| es | Asparagopsis lamarckii | Wikidata |
| es | Protasparagus africanus | Wikidata |
| es | Asparagopsis juniperina | Wikidata |
| es | Asparagopsis schlechtendalii | Wikidata |
| es | Asparagopsis scoparia | Wikidata |
| es | Asparagus asiaticus var. mitis | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its documented presence includes the coastal and inland regions of Ghana and Benin. Furthermore, it can be located within the territories of Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. The species also extends its range into the nation of Gambia. Together, these locations highlight a specific distribution pattern across several West African countries.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Chemicals
Asparagus africanus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Asparagus africanus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Asparagus africanus has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, erectile dysfunction, gout.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Enterococcus faecalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| erectile dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gout | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polycystic ovarian syndrome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |