Gomphrena globosa
Globe amaranth
Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as Globe Amaranth, is a vibrant medicinal plant celebrated for its striking, long-lasting blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, it holds significant ethnobotanical value, traditionally used in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions, offering a rich blend of therapeutic potential.
- Scientific name: Gomphrena globosa
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, specifically falling under the genus Gomphrena.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gomphrena | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Gomphrena globoza, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 千日红 (zh-hans), 千日紅 (zh-hant), or 千日紅 (zh-hk), and in German, it is called Echter Kugelamarant. Additionally, in the Malayalam language, it is known as വാടാർമല്ലി.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 千日红 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 千日紅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 千日紅 | Wikidata |
| de | Echter Kugelamarant | Wikidata |
| ml | വാടാർമല്ലി | Wikidata |
| bn | বোতাম ফুল | Wikidata |
| ja | センニチコウ | Wikidata |
| ko | 천일홍 | Wikidata |
| es | Gomphrena perennis | Wikidata |
| az | Başcıqlı qomfrena | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several continents. In Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing in countries such as Bulgaria and Romania. Its range also extends to the Macaronesian islands, specifically within Cape Verde. Moving toward West Tropical Africa, the species is documented in the nation of Benin. Additionally, its presence is noted in the landlocked country of Burkina Faso.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Gomphrena globosa, is primarily valued for its striking and ornamental flower heads. These globular, papery blossoms consist of numerous small, bract-like structures that create a dense, spherical shape, often appearing in vibrant shades of pink, purple, or white. In many traditional medicinal practices, it is the dried flower that is utilized to prepare infusions or decoctions, as the colorful blooms are believed to possess various therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Gomphrena globosa has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BAP, GA3, NAA, benzoic acid, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| BAP | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| GA3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NAA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| benzoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gomphrenin I | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isogomphrenin I | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gomphrena globosa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hypertension, jaundice, kidney.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |