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Huperzia crispata

Huperzia crispata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

scientifically known as Huperzia crispata, is a rare clubmoss native to the high-altitude forests of Southeast Asia. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly huperzine A, this medicinal plant is widely studied for its neuroprotective properties and its ability to enhance cognitive function and memory in neurological research.

Family
Lycopodiaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Lycopodium Crispatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Huperzia crispata

Synonyms

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Lycopodiidae. Within the order Lycopodiales, it is classified under the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Huperzia, specifically as the species Huperzia crispata.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Lycopodiidae
Order Lycopodiales
Family Lycopodiaceae
Genus Huperzia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific regional presence within the territory of China. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in the South-Central regions of the country. Additionally, it can be found growing across various parts of China Southeast. These two distinct areas define the known natural range of the species. Therefore, its habitat is limited to these particular southern and central provinces.

Region Area
China China South-Central
China China Southeast

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Huperzia crispata is characterized by its herbaceous growth habit, specifically classified as non-woody. The plant typically presents as a small, creeping or erect lycopod with slender, succulent-like stems that lack any significant lignification. The stems are often branched and serve as the central axis from which small, scale-like or lanceolate leaves emerge in a dense, spiral arrangement. These leaves are typically fleshy, somewhat curved, or "crisped" at the edges, which contributes to the plant's specific texture. Due to its non-woody nature, the structural integrity of the plant relies on turgor pressure and the arrangement of its microphylls rather than a woody core, allowing it to thrive in moist, shaded forest environments.

Woodiness :
non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Huperzia crispata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hup A, Huperzine A.

Chemicals reported in Huperzia crispata
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Hup A 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Huperzine A 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Hup A

  1. Functional & integrative genomics

Huperzine A

  1. Molecular biology reports

Conditions

Huperzia crispata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer's diseases.

Conditions investigated for Huperzia crispata
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Alzheimer's diseases 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Alzheimer's diseases

  1. Molecular biology reports