Indian globe thistle

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Indian globe thistle

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sphaerocephalus echinatus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Specifically, Echinops echinatus is identified by the genus Echinops.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is widely found throughout the country of India. Its range also extends across the neighboring territory of Pakistan. Additionally, the species is native to the mountainous areas of the West Himalaya. Finally, its geographical presence reaches into Indo-China, specifically within Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Echinops echinatus is characterized by a variable lifecycle that can manifest as an annual, biennial, or perennial depending on environmental conditions and local ecological factors. The biological progression begins with seed germination, typically following a period of vernalization or specific temperature shifts, leading to the development of a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures through its developmental stages, it allocates energy toward the production of distinctive, spiny, globe-like inflorescences. The duration of its life cycle is heavily influenced by resource availability and climate, allowing it to function as a quick-growing annual in certain habitats or establish more permanent, perennial structures in more stable environments. This flexibility in its lifecycle ensures reproductive success across diverse landscapes by adapting its growth duration to the prevailing seasonal patterns.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Echinops echinatus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, functioning as a self-supporting plant that does not require climbing structures. As an independent species, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on its own physiological processes for nutrient acquisition. Regarding its habitat and moisture requirements, the plant is categorized as terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species. Its structure is defined by a herbaceous habit, lacking any woody tissue, which allows it to maintain a flexible yet upright presence within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Echinops echinatus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Organic letters

Chemicals

Echinops echinatus has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL, 7-Hydroxyisoflavone, CHLOROGENIC ACID, DODECANOIC ACID, Fatty acids.

5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL

1. Current research in microbial sciences

7-Hydroxyisoflavone

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Genes and environment : the official journal of the Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society

DODECANOIC ACID

1. Current research in microbial sciences

Fatty acids

1. Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis

Flavonoid

1. Genes and environment : the official journal of the Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society

Flavonoids

1. Current research in microbial sciences

Glycosides

1. Current research in microbial sciences

Kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Lupeol

1. Current research in microbial sciences

Activities

Echinops echinatus has 26 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke
2. Neurochemical research

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke
2. Current research in microbial sciences

Antioxidant

1. Chemistry & biodiversity
2. Neurochemical research

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antiapoptotic

1. Neurochemical research

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Anticonvulsant

1. Neurochemical research

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations