Malvaviscus arboreus
Turkcap
Malvaviscus arboreus, commonly known as the Sea Hibiscus, is a resilient coastal shrub prized for its medicinal properties. Renowned for its large, fragrant flowers, this plant offers therapeutic potential in traditional healing. Its leaves and bark are frequently utilized to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and various digestive issues.
- Scientific name: Malvaviscus arboreus
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Malvaviscus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Malvaviscus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Malva viscus arboreus, is referred to by various regional names across the globe. In the Netherlands, it is commonly called Wasmalve (nl), while in Germany, it is known as Beerenmalve (de). In Malayalam, it is identified as മൊട്ടുചെമ്പരത്തി (ml), and in Persian, it is called پنیرک درختی (fa). Additionally, in Taiwan, it is recognized by the name 南美朱槿 (zh-tw).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nl | Wasmalve | Wikidata |
| ml | മൊട്ടുചെമ്പരത്തി | Wikidata |
| de | Beerenmalve | Wikidata |
| fa | پنیرک درختی | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 南美朱槿 | Wikidata |
| zh | 小悬铃花 | Wikidata |
| zh-my | 悬铃花 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 懸鈴花 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 小悬铃花 | Wikidata |
| ar | طربوش الديك | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Africa and Asia. In Northern Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Tunisia. Moving into the tropical zones, it can be found in West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically in Cameroon and the DR Congo. Its distribution also extends to Northeast Tropical Africa, where it grows in Chad. Finally, the species reaches the Indian Subcontinent, documented in the region of Assam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Malvaviscus arboreus, commonly known as Turk's cap, features distinct morphological characteristics across its various components. The leaves are typically simple, ovate to heart-shaped, and possess serrated margins that provide a lush, green backdrop for the plant. The flowers are perhaps its most striking feature, consisting of bright red, tubular structures that lack petals and instead showcase prominent, protruding stamens. Both the leaves and the flowers are integral to the plant's identity, with the vibrant blossoms acting as a major attractant for pollinators like hummingbirds.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Malvaviscus arboreus has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include astragalin, flavonoids, polyphenols, trifolin.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| astragalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Malvaviscus arboreus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Malvaviscus arboreus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dysentery, fever, gastric ulcer, gastritis.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric ulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |