Furcraea selloa
Furcraea selloa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Scientifically known as Furcraea selloa, is a perennial succulent native to tropical regions. Commonly called agave or sisal, this hardy plant is prized for its fibrous leaves. Beyond industrial use, it holds significant medicinal value, traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from skin irritations to digestive issues.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Leaf
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Furcraea selloaDistribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted within the territories of Portugal and Spain. It also thrives in the Macaronesian islands, specifically inhabiting the Canary Islands and Madeira. Furthermore, its range extends significantly to the Southern African region, particularly within the Cape Provinces. This wide dispersal demonstrates the adaptability of the species across different oceanic and continental environments.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. |
| Macaronesia | Madeira |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces |
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. |
| Australia | Queensland |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida |
| Western South America | Colombia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Furcraea selloa is characterized by a terrestrial growth habit, functioning as an independent organism that does not rely on parasitic or epiphytic lifestyles. As a self-supporting plant, it lacks the climbing mechanisms of lianas or vines, instead maintaining a stable structure through its robust physical form. While its overall growth form is categorized as a tree-like structure due to its significant size and stature, it is fundamentally defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary structural integrity to support its large, expansive development.
- Aquatic :
- terrestrial
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Epiphyte :
- terrestrial
- Growth form :
- tree
- Parasite :
- independent
- Woodiness :
- woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Plant Parts
Furcraea selloa has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Leaf
- Die Pharmazie
Preparations
Furcraea selloa has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude butanolic extract, methanol extract, methanolic extract.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Crude butanolic extract | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Methanol extract | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Methanolic extract | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Crude butanolic extract
- Die Pharmazie
Methanol extract
- Die Pharmazie
Methanolic extract
- Die Pharmazie