Euphorbia pulcherrima
Christmas star
Euphorbia pulcherrimas, commonly known as Poinsettia, is a striking ornamental plant celebrated for its vibrant, colorful bracts. While primarily grown for its aesthetic beauty during festive seasons, various cultures have explored its traditional medicinal uses, specifically for treating inflammation and skin ailments, though caution is advised due to toxicity.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrimas, is widely recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 一品红 (zh-hans) or 一品红 (zh-cn), and it is also known as 一品红 (zh-sg) in Singapore. In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 一品紅 (zh-hant), which is also the standard designation used in Hong Kong (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 一品红 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 一品紅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 一品紅 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 一品红 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 一品红 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 聖誕紅 | Wikidata |
| pl | Wilczomlecz nadobny | Wikidata |
| nah | Cuetlaxōchitl | Wikidata |
| to | Laveʻimoa | Wikidata |
| et | jõulutäht | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several continents. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be identified within the borders of Italy. Moving toward Northern Africa, it is found growing in Tunisia. Its distribution continues through West Tropical Africa, specifically in Gambia and Guinea. Finally, the species reaches West-Central Tropical Africa, encompassing the Gulf of Guinea Islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Euphorbia pulcherrima has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include patuletin, spinacetin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| patuletin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| spinacetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Euphorbia pulcherrima has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant, Antipyretic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia pulcherrima has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidepressant, antipyretic, skin diseases.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |