Mussaenda glabrata
Mussaenda glabrata, commonly known as the Firecracker Plant, is a striking ornamental shrub prized for its brilliant, flame-like red bracts. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this tropical species holds significant botanical interest. Its unique floral structures and vibrant foliage make it a captivating addition to diverse medicinal and garden landscapes.
- Scientific name: Mussaenda glabrata
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is a member of the family Rubiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Mussaenda, which includes the species Mussaenda glabrata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mussaenda | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Mussaenda glabrata, is known by various regional names depending on the language, such as Balik adap in Malay (ms) and വെള്ളിലത്താളി in Malayalam (ml).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ms | Balik adap | Wikidata |
| ml | വെള്ളിലത്താളി | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range within the Indian Subcontinent. Its native habitat is primarily concentrated in the nations of India and Bangladesh. Within these regions, it thrives in suitable tropical or subtropical environments. The distribution pattern indicates that it is a localized species found across these neighboring South Asian territories. Consequently, its presence is a notable feature of the botanical landscape in both countries.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mussaenda glabrata, is characterized by its distinct foliage, where the leaf serves as a primary component of its vegetative structure. The leaves are typically arranged in a way that provides a lush, green backdrop to the plant's striking red bracts, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and the overall health of the specimen.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mussaenda glabrata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mussaenda glabrata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |