Ligularia hodgsonii
Ligularia hodgsonii, commonly known as the giant leopard plant, is a striking perennial prized for its massive, heart-shaped leaves. Native to moist, high-altitude regions, it holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices, often utilized for its cooling properties and potential to treat inflammation and various digestive ailments.
- Scientific name: Ligularia hodgsonii
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is situated in the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ligularia, which includes the species Ligularia hodgsonii.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ligularia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Ligularia hodgsonii, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Japanese, it is called トウゲブキ, while in Chinese, it is identified through several names including 鹿蹄橐吾, 鹿蹄橐吾（滇紫菀）, 紫菀, and 山紫菀.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | トウゲブキ | Wikidata |
| zh | 鹿蹄橐吾 | Wikidata |
| zh | 鹿蹄橐吾（滇紫菀） | Wikidata |
| zh | 紫菀 | Wikidata |
| zh | 山紫菀 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the northern hemisphere. In Northern Europe, its presence is specifically noted in Sweden. The species is also found within the Russian Far East, inhabiting both the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. Furthermore, its range extends significantly into China, covering both the South-Central and North-Central territories. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various temperate climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Kuril Is. | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Sakhalin | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Mongolia | Mongolia | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Ligularia hodgsonii, is characterized by its massive, heart-shaped leaves and robust structure, which categorize it as a crude herb in medicinal applications. As a crude herb, the entire vegetative body is often utilized in traditional practices, where the fleshy leaves and stems serve as the primary components for preparation. The physical characteristics of this large-scale herb make it a distinct subject in botanical studies, focusing on how its whole organic form contributes to its therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| crude herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ligularia hodgsonii has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid, glucose, glucuronic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arabinose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| galactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| galacturonic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucuronic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mannose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pyrrolizidine alkaloid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhamnose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ligularia hodgsonii has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, hypoglycemic.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |