Empetrum nigrum
Crowberry
Empetrum nigrum, commonly known as black crowberry, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to arctic and subarctic regions. Renowned for its antioxidant-rich berries, this hardy plant holds significant medicinal value. It is traditionally utilized in herbal remedies to support digestive health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits throughout various cultures.
- Scientific name: Empetrum nigrum
- Family: Ericaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Empetrum nigrum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Empetrum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Empetrum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Empetrum nigrum, is recognized by several distinct common names across different languages. In German, it is referred to as Schwarze Krähenbeere, while in Czech, it is called šicha černá. Moving to Scandinavia, it is known as almindelig revling in Danish and variksenmarja in Finnish, and finally, in French, it is commonly called Camarine noire.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Schwarze Krähenbeere | Wikidata |
| cs | šicha černá | Wikidata |
| da | almindelig revling | Wikidata |
| fi | variksenmarja | Wikidata |
| fr | Camarine noire | Wikidata |
| ik | Paunġaq | Wikidata |
| ja | ガンコウラン | Wikidata |
| ko | 시로미 | Wikidata |
| koi | Пончӧд | Wikidata |
| kv | Пончӧд | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and mountainous landscapes of Denmark. Its presence extends further north to the territories of Finland and Iceland. Additionally, this species is documented within the Faroe Islands, known locally as Føroyaar. Finally, its range reaches the shores of Great Britain, marking a significant presence in the North Atlantic area.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as black crowberry, is a low-growing evergreen shrub characterized by its compact and spreading growth habit. While much of its medicinal value is often associated with its antioxidant-rich berries and small leaves, the sturdy, woody branches serve as the essential structural framework for the species. These stems provide the necessary support for the plant's sprawling architecture, allowing it to thrive in acidic, heathland environments where it can effectively extend across the ground.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| branches | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Empetrum nigrum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include dibenz[b,f]oxepin, epicatechin, polyphenols.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dibenz[b,f]oxepin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Empetrum nigrum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |