Cerinthe minor
Cerinthe minor, commonly known as Honeywort, is a charming annual herb prized in pollinator gardens. Characterized by its distinctive blue-green foliage and cup-shaped, azure flowers, it acts as a magnet for bees and butterflies. This hardy plant adds unique texture and striking color to any cottage-style landscape.
- Scientific name: Cerinthe minor
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Moving through the subclass Magnoliidae and order Boraginales, it is a member of the family Boraginaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is found within the genus Cerinthe.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Boraginales | WCVP |
| Family | Boraginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cerinthe | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cerinthe minor, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Poland, it is called Ośmiał mniejszzy, while in Germany, it is referred to as Kleine Wachsblume. Moving to Scandinavia, the Swedish name for this species is Liten vaxblomma. In Bulgaria, it is known as малък меденик, and in Georgia, it carries the name ჭახრაკაული.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Ośmiał mniejszy | Wikidata |
| de | Kleine Wachsblume | Wikidata |
| sv | Liten vaxblomma | Wikidata |
| bg | малък меденик | Wikidata |
| ka | ჭახრაკაული | Wikidata |
| cs | voskovka menší | Wikidata |
| ro | Pidosnic | Wikidata |
| be | Васкакветнік малы | Wikidata |
| fi | pikkuvahakukka | Wikidata |
| ar | حشيشة البرس | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the regions of Middle Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Austria and Germany. Its presence also extends through the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Furthermore, the species is commonly located in Hungary. Finally, its geographical range reaches into Poland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Cerinthe minor, features distinctive leaves that play a key role in its overall appearance and physiological function. The leaves are typically fleshy, somewhat succulent in texture, and often possess a bluish-green or glaucous hue that gives the foliage a unique, waxy sheen. Depending on the specific variety, these leaves can range from being simple and lanceolate to being more deeply lobed, providing a lush, textured backdrop to the plant's striking blue or purple flowers.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cerinthe minor has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include trachelanthamine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| trachelanthamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cerinthe minor has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Carcinogenic, Hepatotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |