Chimonanthus praecox
Fragrant wintersweet
Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as a significant medicinal shrub, holds profound importance in traditional healing practices. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, this plant is frequently utilized to treat various ailments. Understanding its botanical characteristics and pharmacological potential is essential for exploring its contributions to modern herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Chimonanthus praecox
- Family: Calycanthaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Laurales. Finally, it is a member of the family Calycanthaceae, falling under the genus Chimonantus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Laurales | WCVP |
| Family | Calycanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Chimonanthus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Chimonanthus praecox, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is referred to as 蜡梅 (zh-hans), 蠟梅 (zh-hant), and 蠟梅 (zh-hk). It is also called Химонант скороспелый in Russian (ru) and is known as Zimocvet in Serbian (sr-el).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 蜡梅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 蠟梅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 蠟梅 | Wikidata |
| ru | Химонант скороспелый | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Zimocvet | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Зимоцвет | Wikidata |
| sr | Зимоцвет | Wikidata |
| zh | 蜡梅 | Wikidata |
| fa | گل یخ ژاپنی | Wikidata |
| yue | 蠟梅 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Chimonanthus praecox, exhibits a specific range of occurrence across various regions of China. Its presence is documented within the diverse landscapes of China South-Central. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the territories of China North-Central. The botanical distribution further extends into the areas of China Southeast. Together, these regions define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Chimonantus praecox, possesses several distinct morphological features that are utilized in various traditional applications. Its reproductive cycle begins with the development of the flower bud, which eventually matures into vibrant, fragrant flowers. Interestingly, certain varieties of this species feature an edible flower that can be incorporated into culinary practices, adding both nutritional and medicinal value. Finally, the cycle concludes with the production of seeds, which serve as the primary means for the plant's propagation and survival in its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower bud | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edible flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Chimonanthus praecox has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Compound 1, Compound 2, Compound 3, Compound 4, Compound 5.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Compound 1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 4 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 5 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 6 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Compound 7 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-calycanthine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phenylmethyl acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cinnamyl alcohol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Chimonanthus praecox has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include E. coli.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |