Moluccella spinosa

Moluccella spinosa, commonly known as the Spiny Moluccella, is a resilient medicinal herb native to specific arid regions. Renowned for its unique structural features, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Traditional practitioners utilize its properties to address various ailments, highlighting its importance in ethnobotanical studies and natural healing.

  • Scientific name: Moluccella spinosa
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Moluccella.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Moluccella WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Moluccella spinosa, is referred to by different names depending on the language. In Arabic, it is commonly called ذبيبينة شوكية, while in Ukrainian, its name is Молюцела колюча.
Language Common Name Source
ar ذبيبينة شوكية Wikidata
uk Молюцела колюча Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted across Spain and the Baleares islands. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species can be found growing in Greece. It also inhabits parts of Italy, extending its range into the Mediterranean landscape. Furthermore, the plant is specifically documented in the region of Sicilia.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Western Asia Cyprus WCVP
Western Asia Lebanon-Syria WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP

Chemicals

Moluccella spinosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-pentadecanone.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-pentadecanone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Moluccella spinosa has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆