Eulophia petersii
Eulophia petersii, commonly known as a rare terrestrial orchid, is a captivating medicinal plant native to specific tropical regions. Renowned for its unique botanical features, it holds significant value in traditional healing practices. Understanding its ecological requirements and therapeutic potential is essential for conservation and exploring its pharmacological possibilities.
- Scientific name: Eulophia petersii
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Eulophia peterseii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the Orchidaceae family and falls under the genus Eulophia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Orchidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Eulophia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Eulophia peterseii, is referred to by several names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is commonly known as 彼氏美冠兰, with the simplified versions used in mainland China and for general simplified Chinese text being 彼氏美冠兰 (zh-hans) and 彼氏美冠兰 (zh-cn).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 彼氏美冠兰 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 彼氏美冠兰 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 彼氏美冠兰 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several regions across the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in both Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward Northeast Tropical Africa, the species can be found within the borders of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Furthermore, its distribution extends to the unique island of Socotra. Together, these locations highlight the varied habitats where Eulophia peterseii is known to grow.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Socotra | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Eulophia petersii, is a terrestrial orchid that possesses specialized underground structures known as roots. These roots are essential for the plant's survival, serving to anchor it within its natural habitat and facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. In many species within the Eulophia genus, the roots are often associated with fleshy tubers or pseudobulbs that function as storage organs, allowing the plant to store energy and withstand periods of dormancy or environmental stress.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Eulophia petersii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phenanthrenes, phytosterols.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| phenanthrenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytosterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Eulophia petersii has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, cervix cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cervix cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |