Coleus arabicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plectranthus asirensis
• Majana arabica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Coleus. This taxonomic lineage identifies Coleus arabicus as a member of a diverse group of flowering plants.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the unique landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Its natural range is specifically concentrated in the territories of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the species can be located within the borders of Yemen. These two countries represent its primary geographical distribution in the region. Consequently, its occurrence is closely tied to the specific environmental conditions of these Arabian nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Coleus arabicus is characterized by its specific growth habit and survival strategies, categorized fundamentally as a chamaephyte. In terms of its ecological classification, it functions as a chamaephyte, meaning its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, often just above it, which allows the plant to withstand varying environmental stressors. This life form is further detailed through its structural classification as a chamaephyte, distinguishing it from taller phanerophytes or ephemeral therophytes. By maintaining its reproductive and vegetative buds at a low profile near the ground, the plant optimizes its ability to endure seasonal shifts while maintaining a stable presence within its natural habitat.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Coleus arabicus is characterized by its growth habit and ecological positioning, functioning as a self-supporting climber that does not rely on external structures for its primary vertical progression. It operates as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic tendencies toward host plants, thus maintaining its own nutritional and metabolic autonomy. Furthermore, rather than adopting an epiphytic lifestyle, this species is strictly terrestrial, establishing its root systems within the soil to anchor its structure and acquire necessary nutrients.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Coleus arabicus has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antitumor.

Antimicrobial

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antioxidant

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Cytotoxic

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antitumor

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society

Preparations

Coleus arabicus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include cold maceration, extracts.

Cold maceration

1. Gut pathogens

Extracts

1. Gut pathogens