Kniphofia foliosa
Kniphofia foliosa, commonly known as the leafy red hot poker, is a striking perennial native to Southern Africa. Valued for its vibrant, tubular flower spikes and unique foliage, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Traditionally, various species within this genus are utilized in folk medicine to treat diverse ailments.
- Scientific name: Kniphofia foliosa
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- 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 Asphodelaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Kniphofia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asphodelaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Kniphofia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Kniphofia folioosa, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural habitat is concentrated within the Northeast Tropical Africa region. Specifically, the species is documented to grow natively in Ethiopia. This restricted distribution suggests that the plant is adapted to the unique environmental conditions found in that particular area. Consequently, it remains a localized botanical treasure of the Ethiopian highlands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
Chemicals
Kniphofia foliosa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Knipholone, knipholone, knipholone anthrone.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Knipholone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| knipholone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| knipholone anthrone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Kniphofia foliosa has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV-1, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |