Aspilia mossambicensis
Wild sunflower
Aspilia mossambicensis, commonly known as the African Aspilia, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical Africa. Renowned in traditional medicine, it is frequently utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Researchers continue to explore its bioactive compounds for potential applications in modern pharmacological treatments.
- Scientific name: Aspilia mossambicensis
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
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 ordered under Asterales and falls into the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its scientific classification places it within the genus Aspilia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Aspilia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Aspilia mossambicensis, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In English, it is known as the wild sunflower, while in Chinese, it is called 野向日葵 (zh), which is also the designation used in mainland China (zh-cn) and Taiwan (zh-tw).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 野向日葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 野向日葵 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 野向日葵 | Wikidata |
| en | wild sunflower | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across the African continent. Within West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is recorded in both Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be found in Eritrea. Furthermore, its distribution continues through Ethiopia and Somalia within the same northeastern region. Consequently, the geographical footprint of Aspilia mossambiencis spans multiple distinct ecological zones.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | 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 |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aspilia mossambiencis, utilizes various components for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. The roots are often harvested and prepared to treat specific ailments, serving as a foundational part of its medicinal profile. The leaves are equally significant, frequently used in decoctions or topical applications due to their bioactive properties. Additionally, the processed leaf powders are utilized as a convenient form of the plant, allowing for more controlled dosages or easier integration into various healing rituals and treatments.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf powders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aspilia mossambicensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include grandiflorenic acid, kaurenoic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| grandiflorenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaurenoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aspilia mossambicensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antimalarial.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |