Hymenocallis littoralis
Spider lily
Hymenocallis littoralis, commonly known as the Beach Spider Lily, is a stunning perennial prized for its fragrant, white blooms. While primarily ornamental, it holds significant ethnobotanical interest. In various traditional practices, its extracts are explored for potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, showcasing its diverse biological utility.
- Scientific name: Hymenocallis littoralis
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Native range: Africa
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. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by 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, known scientifically as Hymenocallis littoralis, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese-speaking areas, it is known as 水鬼蕉 (zh-Hans, zh-Hant, zh-HK, zh), while in Sweden, it is commonly called strandspindellilja (sv).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| sv | Strandspindellilja | Wikidata |
| bn | ভুঁই লিলি | Wikidata |
| id | Bakungan | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 水鬼蕉 | Wikidata |
| es | Hymenocallis adnata var dryanderi | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found within the borders of Tunisia. Its range also extends to the Macaronesian islands, specifically in Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is widespread throughout West Tropical Africa. This tropical presence includes the nations of Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Equatorial Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Hymenocallis littoralis, is a bulbous perennial characterized by a distinct anatomy designed for survival in moist environments. Its primary energy storage organ is a fleshy bulb, which serves as the foundation from which the plant grows and also contains vital medicinal properties. From this bulb, a sturdy stem emerges, supporting the plant's structural integrity and lifting the foliage toward the light. The leaves are long, strap-like, and succulent, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis. Below the surface, a reliable root system anchors the plant firmly into the substrate. The most striking feature, however, is the flower, which displays elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms that are often used in various traditional applications.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 10
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bulb | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bulbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anther | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hymenocallis littoralis has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (S)-liquiritigenin, 4 - Methylesculetin, 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine, 7-deoxynarciclasine, Catechin 7-O- apiofuranoside.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (S)-liquiritigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 4 - Methylesculetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarciclasine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 7-deoxynarciclasine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Catechin 7-O- apiofuranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emodic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Methylisoeugenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Quercetin 5,7,3',4'-tetramethyl ether 3-rutinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 4 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hymenocallis littoralis has 5 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Emetic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hymenocallis littoralis has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wound healing, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, anti-oxidant, emetic, gastritis.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| wound healing | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-oxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |