Mesembryanthemum
Mesembryanthemum, commonly known as ice plants, is a diverse genus of succulent plants prized for their striking, jewel-like flowers. Beyond their ornamental beauty, various species possess significant medicinal properties, traditionally used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and skin ailments due to their unique chemical compositions and hydrating capabilities.
- Scientific name: Mesembryanthemum
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Aizoaceae. Ultimately, the medicinal species is categorized under the genus Mesembryanthemum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Aizoaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mesembryanthemum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Mesembryanthemum, is referred to by various names depending on the language and region. In Upper Sorbian, it is called Połodnička (Mesembrianthum), while in Russian, it is known as Мезембриантемум. In Chinese, the genus is identified as 日中花属, and in Swedish, it is termed Isörtssläktet. Additionally, in Lithuanian, the plant is commonly called Pluoštagėlė.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hsb | Połodnička (Mesembrianthum) | Wikidata |
| ru | Мезембриантемум | Wikidata |
| zh | 日中花属 | Wikidata |
| sv | Isörtssläktet | Wikidata |
| lt | Pluoštagėlė | Wikidata |
| pl | Przypołudnik | Wikidata |
| he | אהל (סוג) | Wikidata |
| cs | kosmatec | Wikidata |
| fi | jääpäivikit | Wikidata |
| sk | poludňovka | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be observed within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found in Germany. The plant also extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting the Baleares and Corse. Finally, its range in Southwestern Europe includes the territory of France.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | 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 |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Activities
Mesembryanthemum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Psychoactive.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |