Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum
Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum, commonly known as the red cynomorium, is a unique holoparasitic plant found in arid regions. Lacking chlorophyll, it derives nutrients from host roots. Highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia, it is utilized for its purported tonic properties and ability to enhance vitality.
- Scientific name: Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum
- Family: Cynomoriaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Saxifragales, it is classified under the family Cynomoriaceae and the genus Cynomorium. Specifically, it is identified as the subspecies songaricum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Cynomoriaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cynomorium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of Northern and Central Asia. In the northern reaches of its range, it can be found within the Altai region of Siberia. Moving southward, the species is widely distributed throughout the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan. Its presence continues through the mountainous terrains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Finally, the distribution extends to the arid environments of Turkmenistan, completing its presence in Central Asia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Siberia | Altay | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kirgizstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Tadzhikistan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Uzbekistan | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | Qinghai | WCVP |
| China | Xinjiang | WCVP |
Activities
Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral, Estrogenic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Estrogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |