Hibiscus micranthus
Hibiscus micranthus, commonly known as the Small-flowered Hibiscus, is a resilient shrub native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its delicate blooms, this plant holds significant medicinal value in traditional healing. It is frequently utilized for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support digestive and skin health.
- Scientific name: Hibiscus micranthus
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Hibiscus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hibiscus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hibiscus micranthus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Shona, it is commonly referred to as Chikarangwashu, while in Arabic, it is known as كرشة الغراب.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sn | Chikarangwashu | Wikidata |
| ar | كرشة الغراب | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across multiple regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing in the territories of Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. Its presence also extends into the West Tropical Africa region, specifically within the borders of Burkina. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit parts of Ghana. These locations highlight the wide environmental range that this medicinal plant occupies.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Hibiscus micranthus, possesses distinct morphological features, particularly in its leaves which serve as a key identifying characteristic. The leaves are typically characterized by an alternate arrangement along the stem and exhibit a broadly ovate or elliptical shape with serrated or toothed margins. These leaves play a crucial role in the plant's physiological processes, facilitating photosynthesis to support the growth of its small, fragrant flowers and helping to regulate moisture levels within the arid environments where it is often found.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hibiscus micranthus has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hibiscus micranthus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hibiscus micranthus has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include E. coli, wound healing, wound infections.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |