Phalaris canariensis
Canary grass
Phalaris canarienensis, commonly known as Canary Canary grass, is a perennial plant native to the Canary Islands. While primarily valued in landscaping and forage, it holds significant ethnobotanical interest. Its unique chemical properties and traditional uses make it a subject of study within the diverse realm of medicinal flora.
- Scientific name: Phalaris canariensis
- Family: Poaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales. Finally, it is a member of the family Poaceae and falls under the genus Phalaris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Poaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Phalaris | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Phalaris canarienias, is recognized by various regional common names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 金丝雀虉草 (zh-hans), 金絲雀虉草 (zh-hant), and 金絲雀虉草 (zh-hk). In Portuguese, it is commonly called Alpista, while in Japanese, it is identified as カナリークサヨシ.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 金丝雀虉草 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 金絲雀虉草 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 金絲雀虉草 | Wikidata |
| pt | Alpista | Wikidata |
| ja | カナリークサヨシ | Wikidata |
| ml | കാനറിപ്പുല്ല് | Wikidata |
| pl | Mozga kanaryjska | Wikidata |
| fr | Alpiste | Wikidata |
| lt | Kanarinis strypainis | Wikidata |
| fi | kanarianhelpi | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence is recorded in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found within the borders of Austria. It also inhabits parts of Belgium located in the same central region. Finally, the distribution extends further into Middle Europe to include Czechia-Slovakia.
| 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 | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Phalaris canariensis, primarily utilizes its seeds as a key component in its reproductive cycle and traditional uses. These small, grain-like seeds are produced within the inflorescence and serve as the primary method for the plant to propagate across its natural habitats. In various medicinal and agricultural contexts, the study of these seeds is essential, as they represent the concentrated genetic potential of the species and are often the focus of research regarding the plant's chemical properties and nutritional value.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Phalaris canariensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include carotenoids, chlorophylls, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| carotenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorophylls | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| palmitic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Phalaris canariensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |