Digitaria insularis
Digitaria insularis, commonly known as island crabgrass, is a resilient tropical grass valued in traditional ethnobotany. Often found in coastal habitats, this plant is recognized for its various bioactive properties. Research explores its potential medicinal applications, particularly its role in addressing inflammatory conditions and supporting overall holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Digitaria insularis
- Family: Poaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, it is further categorized into the family Poaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Digitaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Poaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Digitaria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Digitaria insularis, is referred to by several different common names depending on the region and language. In Portuguese, it is frequently called Capim-amargoso, while it is also identified by the name Elionurus candidus.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Capim-amargoso | Wikidata |
| pt | Elionurus candidus | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct oceanic and continental regions. In Eastern Asia, its presence is documented specifically within the Kazan-retto area. Moving into the Malesian region, it can be found throughout the Philippines. Its range extends into Papuasia, where it inhabits both New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Finally, the species reaches the South-Central Pacific, specifically occurring in the Marquesas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Kazan-retto | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
| Papuasia | Solomon Is. | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Marquesas | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Caroline Is. | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Marianas | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Marshall Is. | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Wake I. | WCVP |
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Digitaria insularis, utilizes its leaves as a primary component of its biological structure and potential medicinal profile. These leaves are typically characterized by their linear shape and parallel venation, typical of the grass family, which allow for efficient photosynthesis to support the plant's growth in coastal or disturbed environments. In various traditional practices, different parts of such grasses are studied, but the physiological characteristics of the leaves remain central to understanding the plant's overall chemical composition and its interaction with its surroundings.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Digitaria insularis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include fatty acids, terpene.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Digitaria insularis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acaricide, Anticholinesterase.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Acaricide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticholinesterase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |