Cuphea ingrata

Cuphea ingrata, commonly known as the False Pimpernel, is a resilient, low-growing medicinal herb native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its small, delicate foliage, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering valuable phytochemical properties for holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Cuphea ingrata
  • Family: Lythraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Cuphea ingrata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Myrtaleales and the family Lythraceae. Ultimately, it is identified under the genus Cuphea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Lythraceae WCVP
Genus Cuphea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cuphea ingrata, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the False Heather, while in Spanish, it is commonly known as Malva de monte or Malva de campo.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several key regions of South America. Within Brazil, its distribution extends through both the Southeast and South regions. Moving into Southern South America, it can be found throughout the Northeast and Northwest territories of Argentina. Additionally, the species is well-established within the borders of Paraguay. Together, these locations define the specific environmental range where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Cuphea ingrata, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for therapeutic applications. In traditional herbal practices, these aerial parts are often harvested to prepare infusions or extracts, leveraging the plant's natural chemical constituents for health benefits.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cuphea ingrata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oenothein B.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
oenothein B 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cuphea ingrata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include prostate cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
prostate cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆