Hosta plantaginea

Hosta plantagineae, commonly known as the plantain-leaved hosta, is a perennial herb cherished for its large, textured foliage. Beyond its ornamental appeal in shaded gardens, this species holds significance in traditional herbalism. Understanding its botanical characteristics and therapeutic potential offers valuable insights into the diverse world of medicinal flora.

  • Scientific name: Hosta plantaginea
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Hosta plantaginea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asparagaceae and falls under the genus Hosta.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Asparagaceae WCVP
Genus Hosta WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Hosta plantaginea, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Lithuania, it is referred to as Gyslotinė melsvė, while in the Czech Republic, it is called bohyška jitrocelová. In China, its name is 玉簪, and in Sweden, it is known as Doftfunkia. Additionally, in Poland, this fragrant species is commonly called funkia babkowata.
Language Common Name Source
lt Gyslotinė melsvė Wikidata
cs bohyška jitrocelová Wikidata
zh 玉簪 Wikidata
sv Doftfunkia Wikidata
pl funkia babkowata Wikidata
lzh 玉簪 Wikidata
zh-cn 玉簪 Wikidata
zh-tw 玉簪 Wikidata
zh-hans 玉簪 Wikidata
mnc ᡤᡠ ᠰᡳᡶᡳᡴᡡ ᡳᠯᡥᠠ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range spanning several distinct regions across the continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is noted within the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species can be found in Romania, while it extends into Eastern Europe across South European Russia. The distribution also reaches into Central Asia, specifically within Uzbekistan. Finally, the range concludes in the South-Central regions of China.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP
Central Asia Uzbekistan WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Hosta plantaginea, possesses several distinct botanical features that contribute to its overall structure. The underground parts consist of a robust rhizome system that anchors the plant and stores essential nutrients. Above the surface, the plant produces large, fragrant white flowers that emerge from the foliage to attract pollinators. Each individual flower is characterized by its bell-like shape and delicate texture, serving as a key identifying feature of the species during its blooming season.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flowers 3 ★★☆☆☆
Flower 2 ★☆☆☆☆
underground parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Hosta plantaginea has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, 10-O-methylhostasine, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 8-Demethoxy-10-O-methylhostasine, 8-demethoxy-10-O-methylhostasine.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 3 ★★☆☆☆
10-O-methylhostasine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxybenzoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-Demethoxy-10-O-methylhostasine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-demethoxy-10-O-methylhostasine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-demethoxyhostasine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
9-O-demethyl-7-O-methyllycorenine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ethyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hostasine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hosta plantaginea has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hosta plantaginea has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include acute lung injury, analgesic, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cough, hoarseness.

Total uses
12
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
acute lung injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
benign prostatic hyperplasia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hoarseness 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pneumonia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sore throat 1 ★☆☆☆☆