Common flax
Linum usitatissimum var. usitatissimum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Common flax, scientifically known as Linum usiataissimum var. usiataissimum, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, it supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and promotes digestive wellness, making it a cornerstone in holistic nutrition.
- Family
- Linaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Common Flax
- Scientific synonyms
- Linum Crepitans · Linum Usitatissimum Convar. Crepitans · 31 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Common flax
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Linum usitatissimum var. usitatissimumSynonyms
- Linum crepitans
- Linum usitatissimum convar. crepitans
- Linum usitatissimum var. reuteri
- Linum usitatissimum subsp. crepitans
- Linum usitatissimum subsp. humile
- Linum usitatissimum var. grandiflorum
- Linum indehiscens
- Linum humile subsp. crepitans
- Linum usitatissimum var. indehiscens
- Linum indehiscens convar. elongatum
- Linum usitatissimum var. humile
- Linum usitatissimum var. sativum
- Linum usitatissimum subsp. vulgare
- Linum humile subsp. transiens
- Linum usitatissimum var. parviflorum
- Linum usitatissimum var. flavescens
- Linum usitatissimum var. regale
- Linum usitatissimum var. arvense
- Linum usitatissimum var. coeruleum
- Linum usitatissimum var. hassiacum
- Linum usitatissimum var. majus
- Linum usitatissimum var. macrocarpum
- Linum usitatissimum var. vulgare
- Linum usitatissimum var. crepitans
- Linum monadelphum
- Linum monadelphum
- Linum moroderorum
- Linum humile
- Linum sativum
- Linum reuteri
- Linum arvense
- Linum usitatissimum subsp. intermedium
- Linum utile
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Lino
German:
- Gemeiner Lein
French:
- Lin cultivé
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
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 Malpighiales, it falls into the family Linaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Linum and the variety usitatissimum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the center of the continent, it is also found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, its range extends through Belgium and into the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Finally, the geographical reach of this variety includes Germany, completing its presence in Middle Europe.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Linum usitatissimum var. usitatissimum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include pectin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| pectin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
pectin
- Infectious diseases