Echinops spinosissimus
Echinops spinosissimus, commonly known as the spiny globe thistle, is a resilient medicinal perennial valued in traditional herbalism. Characterized by its striking, prickly blue flower heads, this plant is frequently utilized for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, offering a unique combination of botanical beauty and therapeutic potential.
- Scientific name: Echinops spinosissimus
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, falling into the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Echinops under the specific species name Echinops spinosissimus.
| 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 concentrated throughout the Mediterranean and Southeastern European regions. It can be found growing in the country of Albania, where it occupies certain ecological niches. The species is also widely documented across Greece, including its presence on the island of Kriti. Furthermore, its range extends to the island of Sicilia, demonstrating its adaptability to these coastal environments. Finally, the plant is located in the European portion of Türkiye, completing its regional distribution pattern.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Activities
Echinops spinosissimus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibiotic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Echinops spinosissimus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cutaneous leishmaniasis, hemorrhoids.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cutaneous leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |