Berchemia floribunda
Berchemia floribunda, commonly known as the "Waterberry" or "Wild Berberry," is a resilient medicinal shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of the plant are traditionally utilized to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions, showcasing its significant ethnobotanical value.
- Scientific name: Berchemia floribunda
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Rosales, falling into the family Rhamnaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Berchemia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rhamnaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Berchemia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Berchemia floribunda, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 多花勾儿茶 (zh), 多花勾儿茶 (zh-cn), 多花勾儿茶 (zh-tw), and 多花勾儿茶 (zh-hans), as well as 扁担果 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 多花勾儿茶 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 多花勾儿茶 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 多花勾儿茶 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 多花勾儿茶 | Wikidata |
| zh | 扁担果 | Wikidata |
| zh | 矩叶勾儿茶 | Wikidata |
| zh | 牛儿藤 | Wikidata |
| zh | 牛鼻拳 | Wikidata |
| zh | 金刚藤 | Wikidata |
| zh | 牛鼻角秧 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several regions within East Asia. In China, its range extends through the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. It can also be found growing within the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Furthermore, the species has a documented distribution reaching into Japan. Collectively, these areas highlight the wide geographical footprint of Berchemia floribunda.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Berchemia floribunda, utilizes various components for its biological functions and potential medicinal applications. The leaves are prominent features, typically providing the photosynthetic energy required for the plant's growth. The branches form a sturdy structural framework that supports the spreading habit of the shrub or small tree. Finally, the plant produces a fleshy fruit that serves as a means of seed dispersal, often attracting wildlife that aids in the plant's reproduction.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| branches | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Berchemia floribunda has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IL-6, JNK, NO, p38, p65.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| IL-6 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| JNK | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NO | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p38 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p65 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Berchemia floribunda 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |