Nepeta cyrenaica
Nepeta cyrenaica, commonly known as Cyrenaic catmint, is a distinctive perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Characterized by its aromatic, silver-grey foliage and delicate violet blooms, this plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is valued in traditional herbalism for its soothing properties and unique botanical charm.
- Scientific name: Nepeta cyrenaica
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Lamiales, falling into the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Nepeta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nepeta | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Nepeta cyrenaica, exhibits a highly specific and restricted geographical range. Its natural occurrence is primarily concentrated within the northern reaches of the African continent. Specifically, this medicinal species is endemic to the nation of Libya. Within this region, it thrives in particular ecological niches that support its unique biological requirements. Consequently, its distribution remains limited to this single North African territory.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Nepeta cyrenaica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-cineole, epigallocatechin gallate, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1,8-cineole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epigallocatechin gallate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rosmarinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |