Helminthostachys zeylanica
Helminthostachys zeylanica, commonly known as the "fern of the forest," is a rare, primitive fern endemic to the humid tropical regions of Sri Lanka. Highly valued in traditional medicine, this unique plant possesses significant bioactive properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating various ailments through its diverse phytochemical profile.
- Scientific name: Helminthostachys zeylanica
- Family: Ophioglossaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
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 Ophioglossidae and the order Ophioglossales, falling into the family Ophioglossaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Helminthostachys.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Ophioglossidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ophioglossales | WCVP |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Helminthostachys | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Helminthostachys zeylanica, is recognized by various common names across different regions and languages. In Chinese, it is referred to as 七指蕨 (zh-hans), 七指蕨 (zh-hant), and 七指蕨 (zh-hk). In Indonesia, it is commonly called Paku tunjuk langit (id), while in Japan, it is known as ミヤコジマハナワラビ (ja).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 七指蕨 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 七指蕨 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 七指蕨 | Wikidata |
| id | Paku tunjuk langit | Wikidata |
| ja | ミヤコジマハナワラビ | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Tunjuk Langit | Wikidata |
| zh | 七指蕨 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 錫蘭七指蕨 | Wikidata |
| ml | പഴുതാരകാളി | Wikidata |
| hr | Helminthostachys | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated across various regions of East Asia. In China, its presence is documented throughout the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The species also extends its range to the island of Taiwan. Furthermore, it can be found within the Nansei-shoto islands of Eastern Asia. Collectively, these locations define the natural geographical footprint of Helminthostachys zeylanica.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
Activities
Helminthostachys zeylanica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Helminthostachys zeylanica has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |