Sand Bugloss

Echium arenarium · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Sand Bugloss, scientifically known as Echium arenarium, is a resilient medicinal herb primarily found in sandy coastal environments. Renowned for its unique therapeutic properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in various folk remedies to treat skin ailments and inflammatory conditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into nature's specialized healing capabilities.

Family
Boraginaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Sand Bugloss
Scientific synonyms
Echium Calycinum Subsp. Arenarium · Echium Sieberi · 3 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Echium arenarium

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

German:

  • Küsten-Natternkopf

French:

  • Vipérine des sables

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Echium.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Boraginales
Family Boraginaceae
Genus Echium

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found across the Balearic Islands, France, and Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe as well, where it is documented in Greece. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout Italy, further establishing its Mediterranean footprint. Together, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the coastal and southern climates of Europe.

Region Area
Southwestern Europe Baleares
Southwestern Europe France
Southwestern Europe Spain
Southeastern Europe Greece
Southeastern Europe Italy
Southeastern Europe Kriti
Southeastern Europe Sicilia
Northern Africa Algeria
Northern Africa Libya
Northern Africa Morocco

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Echium arenarium is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning it completes its entire developmental process from germination to seed production within a single growing season. Structurally, the plant is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by the remains of previous seasons' leaf bases or soil cover. This growth strategy allows the plant to effectively manage its seasonal development and resource allocation within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :
hemicryptophyte
Lifecycle :
annual

Morphology

The morphology of Echium arenarium is characterized by its growth form as a herb, presenting a structure that lacks significant lignification. Specifically, the plant is non-woody in nature, consisting of soft, succulent, or flexible tissues rather than rigid, woody stems. In terms of its ecological habitat and moisture preference, the plant exhibits a terrestrial habit, distinguishing it from strictly aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Growth form :
herb
Woodiness :
non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Echium arenarium has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Activities reported in Echium arenarium
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antibacterial 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antibacterial

  1. Environmental toxicology
  2. Microbial pathogenesis

Antioxidant

  1. Environmental toxicology
  2. Microbial pathogenesis

Cytotoxic

  1. Microbial pathogenesis

Conditions

Echium arenarium has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Gram-positive bacteria, MRSA, multiple myeloma.

Conditions investigated for Echium arenarium
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Gram-positive bacteria 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Mrsa 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Multiple myeloma 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Gram-positive bacteria

  1. Microbial pathogenesis

Mrsa

  1. Microbial pathogenesis

Multiple myeloma

  1. Environmental toxicology