Eucomis comosa

Eucomis comosa, commonly known as the Pineapple Lily, is a stunning perennial valued for its unique, rosette-shaped flower heads. Native to Southern Africa, this medicinal plant is traditionally used in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammation, offering both botanical beauty and therapeutic potential.

  • Scientific name: Eucomis comosa
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Asparagales and the family Asparagaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Eucomis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Asparagaceae WCVP
Genus Eucomis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Eucomis comoosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Russia, it is known as Эвкомис хохлатый, while in Finland, it is called tiuhatöyhtövana. Swedish speakers refer to it as Tofslilja, and in Japan, its name is ホシオモト. Furthermore, in the Czech Republic, it is identified as chocholatice tečkovaná.
Language Common Name Source
ru Эвкомис хохлатый Wikidata
fi tiuhatöyhtövana Wikidata
sv Tofslilja Wikidata
ja ホシオモト Wikidata
cs chocholatice tečkovaná Wikidata
zh 凤梨百合 Wikidata
zh-hans 凤梨百合 Wikidata
zh-cn 凤梨百合 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa. Its natural range includes specific regions located throughout the Cape Provinces. Additionally, it can be discovered growing in the KwaZulu-Natal area. These locations represent the core territories where the species thrives in the wild. Consequently, its geographical distribution is concentrated within these distinct southern African provinces.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Eucomis comosa, is a perennial species characterized by its distinctive morphological structure. Its most vital part is the large underground bulbs, which serve as nutrient storage organs and allow the plant to survive periods of dormancy. Above the ground, the plant features a rosette of long, strap-like leaves that are typically green and fleshy, efficiently capturing sunlight to support the growth of its unique, tufted flower spike.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bulbs 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Eucomis comosa has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, potassium.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiac glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
potassium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Eucomis comosa has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Eucomis comosa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, elephantiasis.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
elephantiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆