Dracocephalum ibericum

Dracocephalum ibericum, commonly known as Iberian dragonhead, is a resilient perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Caucasus and Middle Eastern regions, this aromatic plant is valued in traditional medicine for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, often utilized to support digestive and respiratory health.

  • Scientific name: Dracocephalum ibericum
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Dracocephalum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Dracocephalum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Dracocephalum ibericum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as Iberry dragonhead, while in Turkish, it is known as İberika. In Arabic, the species is called Dragonhead (تنين الرأس), and in Georgian, it is identified as Dracocala (დრაკოკალა).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Eurasia. In Middle Europe, its presence can be recorded in Germany. Moving eastward, it inhabits parts of Central Asia, specifically within Turkmenistan. The species is also well-established in the Caucasus region, covering both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus. Finally, its range extends into Western Asia, where it is found in Iran.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Central Asia Turkmenistan WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP
Caucasus Transcaucasus WCVP
Western Asia Iran WCVP
Western Asia Iraq WCVP
Western Asia Lebanon-Syria WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP