Gomphrena virgata

Xeraea virgata

Gomphrena virgata, commonly known as Globe Amaranth, is a resilient medicinal herb valued in traditional practices. Renowned for its vibrant flowers, this plant possesses significant therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is frequently utilized in herbal remedies to support digestive health and promote overall wellness through its bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Gomphrena virgata
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Amaranthaceae and is specifically identified by 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 is known by several different names depending on the botanical classification used, including the common names Xeraea virgata and Gomphrena antilethargica in English.
Language Common Name Source
en Xeraea virgata Wikidata
en Gomphrena antilethargica Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence throughout the diverse landscapes of Brazil. It can be found extensively across the Brazil West-Central region, demonstrating its adaptability to varied environments. The species is also well-distributed throughout the Brazil Northeast and Brazil Southeast areas. Furthermore, its geographical reach extends into the Brazil North territory. Finally, the plant completes its broad coverage by inhabiting the Brazil South region.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Globe Amaranth, possesses various components that contribute to its botanical profile, though its medicinal applications often focus on specific structures. While the vibrant, globe-like flowers and lush green foliage are its most striking visual features, the roots also play a fundamental role in the plant's biological survival and nutrient uptake. In various traditional practices, the roots are studied for their potential therapeutic properties, reflecting the diverse chemical makeup found throughout the entire organism.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Gomphrena virgata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 20-hydroxyecdysone.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
20-hydroxyecdysone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gomphrena virgata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infections, inflammations.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammations 1 ★☆☆☆☆