Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa

Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa, commonly known as Red Bistort or Spotted Smartweed, is a resilient perennial valued in traditional herbalism. Characterized by its distinctive spotted leaves, this plant contains bioactive compounds often utilized for their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, offering significant therapeutic potential in holistic medicinal practices.

  • Scientific name: Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • 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 Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Persicaria, specifically as the variety maculosa.

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

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the remote territories of the Førøya Islands. The species is also documented within the borders of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range reaches as far as the island of Iceland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa, is primarily utilized in herbal applications through its aerial parts. These above-ground components include the stems, leaves, and flowering structures, which collectively contain the plant's active therapeutic compounds. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the diverse phytochemical profile necessary for its traditional medicinal uses.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibiotic, Antiinflammatory, Antiseptic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibiotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiseptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆