Periploca graeca

Periploca graeca, commonly known as the milky climber, is a perennial woody vine valued in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, it is characterized by its milky latex and small, fragrant flowers. This plant is frequently studied for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential.

  • Scientific name: Periploca graeca
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Periploca graeca, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae under the order Gentianales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Apocynaceae within the genus Periploca.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Periploca WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Periploca graeca, is known by various common names depending on the language and region. In German, it is referred to as die Griechische Baumschlinge, while in Azerbaijani, it is called Yunan güyəməsi. Its names in other languages include Græsk Træranke in Danish, Yunan İpekotu in Turkish, and Görögtekercs in Hungarian.
Language Common Name Source
de Griechische Baumschlinge Wikidata
az Yunan güyəməsi Wikidata
da Græsk Træranke Wikidata
tr Yunan İpekotu Wikidata
hu Görögtekercs Wikidata
ru Обвойник греческий Wikidata
fa پریپلکا گراکا Wikidata
bg гърбач Wikidata
azb یونان گویمه‌سی Wikidata
hy Շրջահյուս հունական Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across various regions of the European continent. In Southwestern Europe, its distribution includes both France and Spain. Moving toward the Balkan Peninsula, it can be found throughout Southeastern Europe. Specifically, its range extends into the territories of Albania and Bulgaria. Finally, the species is also well-documented within the country of Greece.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Periploca graeca, possesses various morphological characteristics, but the small branches are particularly significant in its botanical profile. These woody, slender stems serve as the primary structural framework that supports the climbing or sprawling habit of the shrub. In medicinal contexts, the components derived from these small branches are often scrutinized for their phytochemical properties, as the entire vegetative structure can contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its traditional therapeutic applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
small branches 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Periploca graeca has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include calogenin 3-O-beta-D-digitalopyranoside-20-O-beta-D-canaropyranoside.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
calogenin 3-O-beta-D-digitalopyranoside-20-O-beta-D-canaropyranoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆