Miconia myriantha
Miconia myriantha, commonly known as the Melastoma or Miconia berry, is a vibrant tropical shrub prized for its lush foliage and striking purple flowers. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices, often utilized for its diverse bioactive properties and potential therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Miconia myriantha
- Family: Melastomataceae
- Native range: Southern America
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 situated in the order Myrtaleales and the family Melastomataceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Miconia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Melastomataceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Miconia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Miconia myriantha, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly called the pink powderpuff, a name that reflects its distinctive floral appearance. When looking at its names in other languages, it is known as mionia in Portuguese, mionia in Spanish, and mionia in French.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is documented within the borders of Belize. Moving into Northern South America, it can be found spanning across French Guiana and Guyana. The species also extends its range throughout the territory of Suriname. Finally, its distribution reaches into Venezuela, completing its regional footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Miconia myriantha, utilizes various structures for its biological functions and medicinal potential. The leaves are particularly notable, typically being large, broad, and characterized by prominent venation that distinguishes the species. Additionally, the twigs serve as the essential structural framework, supporting the foliage and facilitating the transport of nutrients throughout the plant's system.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| twigs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Miconia myriantha has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagic acid, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |