Echinops amplexicaulis
Echinops amplexiuscauis, commonly known as the Globe Thistle, is a striking perennial valued for its unique spherical flower heads. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this medicinal plant is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits in various herbal remedies and traditional healing practices worldwide.
- Scientific name: Echinops amplexicaulis
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Echinops amplexicaulis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Echinops.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Echinops | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence has been documented in Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species is found in the Central African Republic and Cameroon. It also inhabits the East African highlands within the West-Central Tropical Africa classification, specifically in Burundi and Rwanda. Consequently, the range of Echinops amplexicaulis spans multiple diverse ecological zones throughout these central and western territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
Chemicals
Echinops amplexicaulis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phytosterol, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| phytosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Echinops amplexicaulis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |