Nicandra physalodes
Nicandra physaloides, commonly known as Apple of Peru, is a striking annual herb native to South America. Distinguished by its bell-shaped, bladder-like calyx, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Historically utilized in traditional medicine for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it remains a subject of botanical interest.
- Scientific name: Nicandra physalodes
- Family: Solanaceae
- 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 Solanales and the family Solanaceae, it is specifically classified under the genus Nicandra.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nicandra | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Nicandra physaloides, is recognized by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Joá-de-capote, while in Nahuatl, it is called Capōltomatl. The Quiché name for this species is K'ita ch'illtu, and in French, it is identified as Nicandra physaloides. Additionally, in Spanish, it is simply known as Nicandra.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Joá-de-capote | Wikidata |
| nah | Capōltomatl | Wikidata |
| qu | K'ita ch'illtu | Wikidata |
| fr | Nicandra physaloides | Wikidata |
| es | Nicandra | Wikidata |
| ro | Nicandra | Wikidata |
| fi | perunkoiso | Wikidata |
| de | Giftbeere | Wikidata |
| lt | Dumplūninė nikandra | Wikidata |
| sv | Ballongblomma | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also found growing in Austria and Belgium. Furthermore, its range extends through the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit diverse environments across Northern and Middle Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as starry nettle, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties derived from its aerial parts. These above-ground structures include the erect, branched stems, the characteristic large, lobed green leaves, and the distinct, star-shaped blue flowers that bloom atop the plant. Because the therapeutic compounds are concentrated within these visible vegetative and reproductive components, the aerial parts are the specific sections harvested and processed for traditional applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Nicandra physalodes has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include nicandrenone, baicalin, withanolide A, withanolides.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| nicandrenone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| baicalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| withanolide A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| withanolides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nicandra physalodes has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include lung inflammation, lung injury, pulmonary edema.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lung inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lung injury | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulmonary edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |