Muehlenbeckia hastulata

Muehlenbeckia hastulata, commonly known as koromiko, is a versatile New Zealand shrub cherished in traditional Rongoā Māori medicine. Renowned for its astringent properties, the plant's leaves are frequently used to treat digestive ailments, skin irritations, and wound healing, offering a natural, potent remedy deeply rooted in indigenous botanical wisdom.

  • Scientific name: Muehlenbeckia hastulata
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Muehlenbeckia.

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

Common Names

This plant, Muehlenbeckia hastulata, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the willow-leaved muellenbeckia, while in Spanish, it is commonly called muellenbeckia de hoja de sauce. In Māori, the plant is known as kōreke.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across both North and South America. In the Southwestern United States, its presence is specifically noted within the state of California. Moving into Western South America, the species can be found growing in Peru. Its distribution continues through Southern South America, covering both the northwest and southern regions of Argentina. Finally, the plant is also documented inhabiting the central areas of Chile.

Region Area Source
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Southern South America Argentina South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Chile Central WCVP
Southern South America Chile North WCVP
Southern South America Chile South WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Muehlenbeckia hastulata, is a medicinal species where the whole plant is often utilized for its therapeutic properties. In various traditional practices, every part of the organism—from the stems and leaves to the roots—may be incorporated into herbal preparations. Because the chemical constituents are distributed throughout its entire structure, the whole plant is frequently harvested to create decoctions or infusions intended to harness its full range of bioactive compounds.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicatechin, hypericin, pheophorbide a, protohypericin, rutin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypericin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pheophorbide a 1 ★☆☆☆☆
protohypericin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Oxytoxic.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Oxytoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include influenza virus.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
influenza virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆