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Christmas orchids

Calanthe · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (10 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Christmas orchids, scientifically known as Calanthe, is a breathtaking genus celebrated for its vibrant, seasonal blooms. Beyond their ornamental elegance, these plants possess unique botanical properties valued in traditional healing. Understanding their medicinal potential and care requirements offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of natural beauty and therapeutic wellness.

Family
Orchidaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Christmas Orchids
Scientific synonyms
Amblyglottis · Hecabe · 19 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Calanthe

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Styloglossum
  • Paracalanthe
  • Sylvalismis
  • Calanthidium
  • Limatodes
  • Centrosia
  • Centrosis
  • Alismorchis
  • Preptanthe
  • Ghiesbreghtia
  • Alismorkis
  • Aulostylis
  • Zeduba
  • Cytheris
  • Zoduba

French:

  • Alismorchis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the Orchidaceae family and falls under the genus Calanthe.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Orchidaceae
Genus Calanthe

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Guinea and Liberia. It is also widely distributed throughout Sierra Leone and Nigeria within the same Western region. Furthermore, the species extends into West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, its documented range reaches as far as Burundi.

Region Area
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Liberia
West Tropical Africa Nigeria
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon
West-Central Tropical Africa Congo
West-Central Tropical Africa Equatorial Guinea
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Activities

Calanthe has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidiabetic.

Activities reported in Calanthe
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antibacterial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antibacterial

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antidiabetic

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Calanthe has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antidiabetic, arthritis, chronic coughs, common colds, rheumatism.

Conditions investigated for Calanthe
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Antidiabetic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Arthritis 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Chronic coughs 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Common colds 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Rheumatism 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Snake-bites 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Toothaches 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Ulcers 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antidiabetic

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Arthritis

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chronic coughs

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Common colds

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatism

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Snake-bites

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Toothaches

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ulcers

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology