Helicanthes elastica
Helicanthes elastica, commonly known as the elastic helicanthe, is a resilient medicinal shrub valued in traditional healing practices. Native to tropical regions, this plant is prized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating inflammation and skin ailments. Its unique botanical characteristics make it a significant subject for ethnobotanical study.
- Scientific name: Helicanthes elastica
- Family: Loranthaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Santalales, it is classified under the family Loranthaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Helicanthes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Santalales | WCVP |
| Family | Loranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Helicanthes | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the specific geographical boundaries of the Indian Subcontinent. Its natural habitat is concentrated specifically within the country of India. Due to this localized range, the species is considered indigenous to this particular South Asian region. Understanding this limited distribution is essential for studying its ecological requirements and conservation needs. Consequently, most botanical research regarding this species focuses on the diverse landscapes found throughout India.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
Chemicals
Helicanthes elastica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |