Carpobrotus edulis
Sour fig
Carpobrotus eduilis, commonly known as the sea parsley, is a fascinating marine macroalga valued for its diverse bioactive properties. Rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, this medicinal plant offers significant potential in pharmacology. Research explores its therapeutic applications, particularly in managing inflammation and supporting metabolic health through its unique nutritional profile.
- Scientific name: Carpobrotus edulis
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and the family Aizoaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Carpobrotus, identifying the species as Carpobrotus edulis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Aizoaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Carpobrotus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Carpobrotus edulis, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Russian, it is referred to as Карпобротус съедобный, while in Dutch, it is commonly called Hottentotvijg. In Portuguese, it goes by the name Chorão-das-praias, and in German, it is known as Essbare Mittagsblume. Similarly, in Swedish, it is identified as Gul middagsblomma.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Карпобротус съедобный | Wikidata |
| nl | Hottentotvijg | Wikidata |
| pt | Chorão-das-praias | Wikidata |
| de | Essbare Mittagsblume | Wikidata |
| sv | Gul middagsblomma | Wikidata |
| zh | 莫邪菊 | Wikidata |
| gl | Herba do coitelo | Wikidata |
| fa | کارپوبروتوس ادولیس | Wikidata |
| cy | Ffigysen yr Hotentot | Wikidata |
| aeb-arab | شرببّو | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented within Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found in various parts of Southwestern Europe. Specifically, its range includes the islands of Baleares and Corse. Finally, the species is also distributed throughout France.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Carpobrotus edulis, is a succulent species where the fruits play a significant role in its biological cycle. The fruits are fleshy, berry-like structures that develop from the flowers and are characterized by their ability to store moisture, which is a vital adaptation for survival in coastal and arid environments. These fruits are often used in various traditional contexts and serve as a primary method for seed dispersal, ensuring the plant can spread across sandy terrains.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Carpobrotus edulis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include resveratrol.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| resveratrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Carpobrotus edulis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |