Matthiola incana

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Matthiola incana, commonly known as Silver Chervil, is a distinctive annual herb celebrated for its striking, silvery-grey foliage and fragrant, pale pink flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, this plant is valued in traditional herbalism for its unique aromatic properties and its ability to thrive in well-drained, sunny environments.

  • Scientific name: Matthiola incana
  • Family: Brassicaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales, it is a member of the family Brassicaceae. Specifically, it is categorized under the genus Matthiola.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Brassicales WCVP
Family Brassicaceae WCVP
Genus Matthiola WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Matthiola incana, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Korean, it is referred to as 스토크 (seutokeu), while in Catalan, it is called violer bord. German speakers know it as Garten-Levkoje, and in French, it is referred to as grande giroflée. Additionally, in Chinese, it is commonly called 紫罗兰 (zǐluólán).
Language Common Name Source
ko 스토크 Wikidata
ca violer bord Wikidata
de Garten-Levkoje Wikidata
fr grande giroflée Wikidata
zh 紫罗兰 Wikidata
cs fiala šedivá Wikidata
de-ch Garten-Levkoje Wikidata
el Μαθιόλα η πολιά Wikidata
frr Guard-Lakeu Wikidata
gv Lus y touree Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in both Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence extends into Middle Europe, specifically within the territories of Germany and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Moving toward the Mediterranean, the species is also located in Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it inhabits the Baleares islands within that southwestern zone.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Activities

Matthiola incana has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Matthiola incana has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obesity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
type 2 diabetes 1 ★☆☆☆☆