Microtea debilis

Microtea debilis, commonly known as the creeping microtea, is a resilient, low-growing herb found in tropical wetlands. Renowned in traditional medicine, this plant possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Often used to treat skin ailments and digestive issues, it remains a vital subject in ethnobotanical and pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Microtea debilis
  • Family: Microteaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Microtea debilis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the family Microteaceae and the genus Microtea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Microteaceae WCVP
Genus Microtea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Microtea debilis, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the creeping microtea, while in Malay, it is commonly called rumput kerbau. In Indonesian, the plant is known as rumput kerbau, and in Chinese, it is referred to as 细叶微茶.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across two major global regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Cameroon. Moving to the Americas, it is widely distributed throughout several nations in Central America. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Finally, its range extends further south to include the country of Honduras.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP
Caribbean Cuba WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP
Caribbean Haiti WCVP

Chemicals

Microtea debilis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cirsimaritin, cirsimaritin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Cirsimaritin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cirsimaritin 1 ★☆☆☆☆