Larix laricina
Larix laricina, commonly known as the tamarack or American larch, is a unique deciduous conifer native to northern much of North America. While it produces needles like most conifers, it sheds them annually. Historically, various parts of this resilient tree have been utilized in traditional medicinal practices for healing.
- Scientific name: Larix laricina
- Family: Pinaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Larix laricina, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae, falling within the order Pinales and family Pinaceae. Ultimately, it is placed within the genus Larix.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Pinaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Larix | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several cold-climate regions of the northern hemisphere. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found throughout Sweden. Its range extends into Eastern Europe, specifically encompassing the Baltic States. Moving across the ocean to Subarctic America, the species is located in Alaska. Finally, its habitat includes the vast northern territories of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Baltic States | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Alaska | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Nunavut | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Northwest Territories | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Yukon | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Alberta | WCVP |
| Western Canada | British Columbia | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Manitoba | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Saskatchewan | WCVP |
Chemicals
Larix laricina has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 13-epitorulosol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, rhaponticin.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 13-epitorulosol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhaponticin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| taxifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Larix laricina has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antiobesity.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiobesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Larix laricina has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Insulin Sensitivity, gout, insulin resistance, obesity.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin Sensitivity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gout | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insulin resistance | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |