Drimia maritima

Drimia maritima, commonly known as sea squill, is a resilient perennial herb native to coastal regions. Characterized by its bulbous roots and distinctive foliage, this plant holds significant medicinal importance. It contains bioactive compounds used traditionally to treat various ailments, though its potent properties require careful, expert application.

  • Scientific name: Drimia maritima
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Asparagaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Drimia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Asparagaceae WCVP
Genus Drimia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Drimia maritima, is referred to by several common names across different Chinese linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is known as 海葱 (zh-hans) and 海葱 (zh-cn), while in Singapore, the name 海葱 (zh-sg) is used. In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is called 海蔥 (zh-hant), and specifically in Hong Kong, it is also referred to as 海蔥 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 海葱 Wikidata
zh-hant 海蔥 Wikidata
zh-hk 海蔥 Wikidata
zh-cn 海葱 Wikidata
zh-sg 海葱 Wikidata
zh-tw 海蔥 Wikidata
wa Agnon-d'-leu Wikidata
pl urginia morska Wikidata
ru Морской лук Wikidata
fr Scille maritime Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean region. It can be found across several areas of Southwestern Europe, including the Balearic Islands. Furthermore, its presence extends to the coastal regions of both Portugal and Spain. Beyond the European continent, the species is also located in Northern Africa, specifically within Algeria. Together, these locations define its characteristic habitat in these warm maritime climates.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Drimia maritima, is primarily characterized by its underground storage organs, specifically its small, fleshy bulbs. These bulbs serve as the vital reservoir for the plant's nutrients and energy, allowing it to persist through various environmental conditions. In traditional medicinal applications, the bulbs extract is the component of interest, as it contains the specific bioactive compounds sought for therapeutic purposes.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bulbs 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bulbs extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Drimia maritima has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, lignans, scillaren, scillarenin.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cardiac glycosides 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scillaren 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scillarenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scillirubroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Drimia maritima has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiallergic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitussive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardiotonic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Drimia maritima has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, heart diseases.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heart diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆