cow-wheat

Melampyrum · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Cow-wheat, scientifically known as Melampyrum, is a distinctive genus of herbaceous plants within the Ericaceae family. Often found in woodland habitats, these species are characterized by their striking floral displays. While primarily noted for their ecological roles, they possess unique botanical properties that intrigue researchers studying medicinal flora.

Family
Orobanchaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Cow-Wheat · Cow-Wheats · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Marinellia · Chingyungia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Melampyrum

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • melampiros

German:

  • Wachtelweizen
  • Wachtelweizen

French:

  • Mélampyre
  • Melampyre
  • Mélampyres
  • Mélampyre

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Lamiales and the family Orobanchaceae. Finally, it is identified by the specific genus Melampyrum.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Lamiales
Family Orobanchaceae
Genus Melampyrum

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark. Its presence is also well-documented across the island of Iceland. Additionally, the species inhabits the territories of both Ireland and Great Britain. Finally, the plant extends its range further north into the forests and fields of Finland.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Iceland
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Melampyrum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Catalpol, Loganin, Verbenalin.

Chemicals reported in Melampyrum
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Catalpol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Loganin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Verbenalin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Catalpol

  1. Electrophoresis

Loganin

  1. Electrophoresis

Verbenalin

  1. Electrophoresis