Frankenia laevis

Frankenia laevis, commonly known as smooth frankenia, is a resilient halophytic shrub native to coastal regions. Characterized by its small, fleshy leaves and delicate flowers, this plant thrives in saline soils. It holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices, utilized for its unique bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential.

  • Scientific name: Frankenia laevis
  • Family: Frankeniaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Frankenia laevis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Caryophyllales. It is a member of the family Frankeniaceae and is specifically categorized under the genus Frankenia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Frankeniaceae WCVP
Genus Frankenia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Frankenia laevis, is referred to by several different common names depending on the language and region. In French, it is frequently called Frankénie lisse or simply Frankénie, and it is also sometimes identified as Bruyère maritime. Additionally, in Welsh, the species is known as Grugeilun llyfn.
Language Common Name Source
fr Frankénie lisse Wikidata
cy Grugeilun llyfn Wikidata
fr Frankénie Wikidata
fr Bruyère maritime Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a scattered geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified within Great Britain. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found in various parts of Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it inhabits the islands of Baleares and Corse. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout France and Portugal.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP

Chemicals

Frankenia laevis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, lignans, monoterpenes.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monoterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Frankenia laevis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Frankenia laevis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Type 2 diabetes, hyperpigmentation.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Type 2 diabetes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperpigmentation 1 ★☆☆☆☆