Lespedeza capitata
Lespedeza capitata, commonly known as the head-clover, is a versatile medicinal plant found in tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues. This botanical treasure offers significant therapeutic potential for modern pharmacological research and holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Lespedeza capitata
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Lespedeza.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lespedeza | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various regional and scientific designations, is referred to as ليسبيديزا رؤيسية in Arabic (ar), لسپدزا کپیتاتا in Persian (fa), and ليسبيديزا رؤيسيه in Arabic Sinai (arz). In Spanish (es) contexts, it is sometimes associated with the names Lespedeza bicknellii and Hedysarum umbellatum.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | ليسبيديزا رؤيسية | Wikidata |
| fa | لسپدزا کپیتاتا | Wikidata |
| arz | ليسبيديزا رؤيسيه | Wikidata |
| es | Lespedeza bicknellii | Wikidata |
| es | Hedysarum umbellatum | Wikidata |
| es | Hedysarum frutescens | Wikidata |
| es | Lespedeza frutescens | Wikidata |
| es | Lespedeza stuevei | Wikidata |
| es | Lespedeza velutina | Wikidata |
| es | Hedysarum conglomeratum | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Lespedeza capitata, exhibits a specific range within the North-Central United States. Its geographical distribution includes several key states located in this central region. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Illinois and Iowa. The plant also extends its presence into the states of Kansas and Nebraska. Finally, its documented range reaches up into Minnesota, completing its North-Central pattern.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Iowa | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Kansas | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Minnesota | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Nebraska | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Oklahoma | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Wisconsin | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Indiana | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Massachusetts | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Michigan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Lespedeza capitata, is characterized by its distinctive morphological features, particularly its leaf and stem structures. The leaves are typically trifoliate, consisting of three leaflets that provide a broad surface area for photosynthesis, while the stems are slender and upright, serving as the structural framework that supports the plant's dense, capitate inflorescences. Together, these parts contribute to the plant's overall growth habit and are essential components used when identifying this medicinal species in its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf/stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Lespedeza capitata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include procyanidins, rutin, silymarin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| procyanidins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| silymarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |