Hymenocallis latifolia
Hymenocallis latifolia, commonly known as the wide-leaf paperwhite, is a striking perennial valued for its ornamental beauty and potential medicinal properties. Found in tropical regions, this plant is often studied for its bioactive compounds, offering intriguing possibilities for traditional healing practices and modern pharmacological research into its therapeutic benefits.
- Scientific name: Hymenocallis latifolia
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Amaryllidaceae and specifically within the genus Hymenocallis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hymenocallis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Hymenocallis latifolia, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the large-leafed paperwhite, while in Spanish, it is known as lirio de papel or lirio de agua. In Portuguese, the plant is called lírio-do-papel, and in French, it is referred to as lys de papier.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several tropical and subtropical regions. In the Southeastern United States, its presence is specifically noted in the state of Florida. The species also extends throughout the Caribbean, where it can be found in the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. Additionally, it is established within the larger island nations of the Caribbean, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Consequently, its range covers a diverse array of island and coastal environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Bahamas | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cayman Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Jamaica | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Puerto Rico | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Southwest Caribbean | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Windward Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Hymenocallis latifolia, is characterized by its unique morphological structure, where the primary medicinal and storage components are found within its underground bulbs. These bulbs serve as the vital reservoir for the plant, storing essential nutrients and moisture that allow it to thrive in its natural habitat. In many traditional practices, the bulb is the specific part of the plant that holds the concentrated bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bulbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hymenocallis latifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hymenocallis latifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |