Paddleweed
Halophila ovalis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Paddleweed, scientifically known as Halophila ovalis, is a fascinating submerged aquatic plant frequently found in freshwater ecosystems. Renowned for its unique, paddle-shaped leaves, it plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and providing habitat for aquatic life, offering significant potential for ecological restoration and environmental management studies.
- Family
- Hydrocharitaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Species Code: Ho · Sea Wrack · 2 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Kernera Ovalis · Caulinia Ovalis
Names
Common Names
- Species code: Ho
- Sea Wrack
- Spoon Grass
- seagrass
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- Halophile ovale
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Halophila ovalisSynonyms
- Kernera ovalis
- Caulinia ovalis
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Alismatales, it is situated in the family Hydrocharitaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Halophila.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Alismatales | WCVP |
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Halophila | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is noted within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the Northeast Tropical Africa region, it can be found in Eritrea as well as Somalia. The species also extends through the territory of Sudan and South Sudan. Finally, its range reaches into East Tropical Africa, specifically within Kenya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
Chemicals
Halophila ovalis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phenols, triacylglycerols.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Phenols | Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triacylglycerols | Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Halophila ovalis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |