Epaltes divaricata

Epaltes divaricata, commonly known as the wild hibiscus or shrubby hibiscus, is a versatile medicinal plant native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Epaltes divaricata
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

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. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Epaltes.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Epaltes WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Epaltes divaricata, is known by several distinct common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to by the names 翅柄球菊 and 翅柄鹅不食草.
Language Common Name Source
zh 翅柄球菊 Wikidata
zh 翅柄鹅不食草 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is specifically noted in the tropical province of Hainan. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. The species also extends into the Indo-China region, covering territories such as Myanmar. Finally, its geographical range includes the country of Vietnam.

Region Area Source
China Hainan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Eclipta divaricata, is a medicinal species where the whole plant is frequently utilized in traditional healing practices. Every component, from the roots and stems to the leaves and flowers, contributes to its therapeutic potential, often being prepared as a decoction, paste, or infusion to treat various ailments. Because the entire organism contains active bioactive compounds, practitioners often employ the whole plant to harness its full range of medicinal properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Epaltes divaricata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hexane, ethanol, water.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Hexane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ethanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
water 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Epaltes divaricata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Epaltes divaricata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆