Canthium glaucum
Canthium glaucum, commonly known as blue-flowered milkwort, is a resilient perennial herb native to various sandy coastal regions. Valued in traditional medicine for its unique biochemical properties, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Understanding its botanical characteristics and medicinal applications provides vital insights into its role in natural healing.
- Scientific name: Canthium glaucum
- Family: Rubiaceae
- 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 Gentianaales and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Canthium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Canthium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cantheium glaucum, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as Glaucous Cantheium, while in Spanish, it is known as Cantheium glauco. In Portuguese, the plant is called Cantheium glauco, and in French, it is identified as Cantheium glauque.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, its presence is recorded in Somalia. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species can also be found within the borders of Kenya. The plant further extends into South Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the nation of Malawi. Additionally, its range continues through the southern territories of Mozambique and Zambia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Caprivi Strip | WCVP |
Chemicals
Canthium glaucum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Canthium glaucum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |