Meistera nilgirica

Meistera nilgirica, commonly known as the Nilgiri Meistera, is a rare medicinal shrub endemic to the high-altitude shola forests of the Western Ghats. Valued in traditional wellness practices, this unique plant offers significant therapeutic potential, contributing to biodiversity and providing natural compounds essential for studying modern botanical pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Meistera nilgirica
  • Family: Zingiberaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Meistera nilgirica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Zingiberales. Finally, it is a member of the family Zingiberaceae and falls under the genus Meistera.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Zingiberales WCVP
Family Zingiberaceae WCVP
Genus Meistera WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Meistera nilgirica, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Nilgiri Meistera, while in Tamil, it is known as Neeli Meisara.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific geographical boundaries of the Indian Subcontinent. Its natural habitat is concentrated within the nation of India, where it thrives in particular ecological niches. Because its range is limited to this region, it is considered an endemic species to the Indian landscape. Researchers studying its medicinal properties focus their field collections within these local territories. Consequently, the distribution of Meistera nilgirica is defined by its presence across various parts of India.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Meistera nilgirica, possesses specific morphological features that are central to its medicinal profile. The most significant part utilized is the rhizome, which grows underground and contains the concentrated bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic applications. Additionally, the leaf serves as a vital component of the plant's structure, contributing to its overall physiological processes and often being collected for various traditional remedies.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Meistera nilgirica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆