Balanophora
Balanophora · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Balanophora, is a rare and fascinating genus of aquatic plants belonging to the family Limnocharitaceae. Thriving in freshwater ecosystems, these unique species play vital roles in their habitats. Understanding their botanical characteristics and potential medicinal properties offers valuable insights into biodiversity and traditional healing practices.
- Family
- Balanophoraceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Acroblastum · Cynopsole · 5 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
BalanophoraSynonyms
- Acroblastum
- Cynopsole
- Balaniella
- Balania
- Balaneikon
- Polyplethia
- Bivolva
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic details place it in the subclass Magnoliidae and order Santalales, eventually reaching the family Balanophoraceae. It is specifically identified under the genus Balanophora.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Balanophoraceae |
| Genus | Balanophora |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within the Congo. Its presence extends to the Western Indian Ocean, where it inhabits both the Comoros and Madagascar. Moving toward East Asia, the species is located in South-Central China. Additionally, the plant is documented as growing in the Hainan province of China.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar |
| China | China South-Central |
| China | Hainan |
| China | China North-Central |
| China | China Southeast |
| China | Tibet |
| Eastern Asia | Japan |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Balanophora has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Conditions
Balanophora has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gonorrhea, syphilis, uterine prolapse, wounds.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Gonorrhea | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Syphilis | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Uterine prolapse | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Wounds | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Gonorrhea
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Syphilis
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Uterine prolapse
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Wounds
- Journal of ethnopharmacology