Leea rubra

Red leea

Leea rubra, commonly known as the Red Leea, is a striking tropical shrub celebrated for its vibrant, crimson flower clusters. Native to various Pacific islands, this ornamental plant is prized in landscaping for its lush foliage and brilliant blooms, adding a splash of exotic color to warm, humid garden environments.

  • Scientific name: Leea rubra
  • Family: Vitaceae
  • 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 Vitales, it is classified under the family Vitaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Leea, specifically as the species Leea rubra.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Vitales WCVP
Family Vitaceae WCVP
Genus Leea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Leea rubra, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly called the red leea, while in Bulgarian, it is known as червена лея. In Indonesia, it carries several local names, including Girang merah and Kragean, and in Madurese, it is referred to as Ghirâng.
Language Common Name Source
bg червена лея Wikidata
id Girang merah Wikidata
mad Ghirâng Wikidata
id Kragean Wikidata
en Red leea Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across several distinct tropical regions. In the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found growing within the Seychelles. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is documented in both Assam and Bangladesh. Additionally, the species is present throughout parts of Indo-China. Specifically, it inhabits the landscapes of Cambodia and Laos.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Seychelles WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Leea rubra, exhibits distinct characteristics in its vegetative structures that contribute to its overall morphology. The stem of the species is typically woody and serves as a sturdy support for its sprawling or upright growth habit, often providing the necessary framework for its dense foliage. The leaves are a prominent feature, generally appearing in clusters and characterized by their shape and arrangement, which play a vital role in the plant's photosynthetic processes and its identification in medicinal contexts.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Leea rubra has 10 reported activities identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antipyretic.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardiovascular 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diaphoretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Leea rubra has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antipyretic, arthritis, diuretics.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuretics 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆