Gomphocarpus fruticosus
Gomphocarpus fruticosus, commonly known as the Wild Tamarind, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant are traditionally utilized to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and inflammation, offering a rich natural resource for holistic and herbal healing.
- Scientific name: Gomphocarpus fruticosus
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales, it is specifically situated in the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Gomphocarpus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gomphocarpus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Gomphocarpus fruticosus, is recognized by several different common names depending on the region and language. In Arabic, it is referred to as صقلاب شجيري, while in Latin contexts, it is identified as Asclepias fruticosa. In Catalan, it is called Mata de la seda, and in German, it is known as Baumwoll-Seidenpflanze. Furthermore, in Spanish, it is commonly named Asclepias fruticosa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | صقلاب شجيري | Wikidata |
| la | Asclepias fruticosa | Wikidata |
| ca | Mata de la seda | Wikidata |
| de | Baumwoll-Seidenpflanze | Wikidata |
| es | Asclepias fruticosa | Wikidata |
| az | Kolşəkilli qomfokarpus | Wikidata |
| co | Cutone | Wikidata |
| zh | 钉头果 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 钉头果 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 釘頭果 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. It can be found growing in the Balearic Islands, which are part of the Baleares archipelago. The species is also documented within the territories of Corsica and France. Additionally, its presence extends to the coastal landscapes of Portugal. Finally, this medicinal plant inhabits the island of Sardegna.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
Medicinal Uses
Gomphocarpus fruticosus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include urolithiasis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| urolithiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |