Hertia cheirifolia

Hertia cheirifolia, commonly known as the tea-leaved hertia, is a resilient shrub native to the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Renowned for its glossy foliage, this botanical species holds significant ethnobotanical value, often utilized in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties and healing potential.

  • Scientific name: Hertia cheirifolia
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Hertia, specifically as the species Hertia cheirifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Hertia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Hertia cheirifolia, is known by various names across different linguistic and regional contexts. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Cheiriphyllous Hertia, while in its native Hawaiian environment, it is known as Kaulaʻa. In other botanical and regional discussions, it may also be identified by its scientific designation, which serves as a universal identifier for researchers and herbalists alike.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning across two major regions. In Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing within the territory of Italy. Its distribution extends further south into Northern Africa. Within this African region, the species is documented in Algeria. Additionally, the plant is also native to the coastal landscapes of Tunisia.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP

Chemicals

Hertia cheirifolia has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-germacrene D, 2-(1-cyclopent-1-enyl-1-methylethyl) cyclopentanone, Cinnamic acid, bakkenolide A, fisetin hydrate.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(-)-germacrene D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-(1-cyclopent-1-enyl-1-methylethyl) cyclopentanone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cinnamic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bakkenolide A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fisetin hydrate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myricetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nopol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hertia cheirifolia has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hertia cheirifolia has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, DNA damage, Enterobacter aerogenes.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Staphylococcus aureus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus licheniformis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus subtilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
DNA damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Enterobacter aerogenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Salmonella enterica 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Streptococcus pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
granuloma 1 ★☆☆☆☆