Huperzia cuernavacensis
Huperzia cuernavacensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Huperzia cuernavacensis, is a rare lycopod species native to Mexico. Belonging to the Gentianaceae family, this primitive plant holds significant ethnobotanical interest. Researchers study its chemical constituents, particularly alkaloids, for potential neuroprotective properties and their ability to influence cognitive functions and memory enhancement.
- Family
- Lycopodiaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Urostachys Cuernavacensis · Phlegmariurus Cuernavacensis · 1 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Huperzia cuernavacensisSynonyms
- Urostachys cuernavacensis
- Phlegmariurus cuernavacensis
- Lycopodium cuernavacense
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 and family Lycopodiaceae, it is classified under the genus Huperzia. Therefore, its full taxonomic designation identifies it specifically as Huperzia cuernavacensis.
| 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 broad presence across several distinct regions of Mexico. Its natural range encompasses the central territories of Mexico Central. Furthermore, it can be found distributed throughout the areas of Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The species also extends its reach into the territories of Mexico Northwest. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the diverse landscapes of Mexico Southwest.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast |
| Central America | Guatemala |
| Central America | Honduras |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Huperzia cuernavacensis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that functions as a self-supporting plant, lacking the structure of a climber, liana, or vine. It is an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a terrestrial habitat rather than being an aquatic, semiaquatic, or obligatory epiphyte. Its physical structure is defined by its non-woody nature, ensuring it remains a low-growing, self-supporting herb within its ecological niche.
- Aquatic :
- terrestrial
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Epiphyte :
- obligatory
- Growth form :
- herb
- Parasite :
- independent
- Woodiness :
- non-woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Chemicals
Huperzia cuernavacensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hup A.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Hup A | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Hup A
- Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
Conditions
Huperzia cuernavacensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer's disease.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Alzheimer's disease
- Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences