Plectocephalus varians

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plectocephalus abyssinicus
• Plectocephalus cyanoides
• Centaurea varians
• Centaurea abyssinica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it falls under the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Plectocephalus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Plectocephalus variaus, exhibits a specific range within the African continent. Its geographical presence is primarily concentrated in the Northeast Tropical Africa region. Specifically, the species can be found growing within the borders of Eritrea. Furthermore, it is also distributed across the landscape of Ethiopia. Consequently, its habitat is limited to these particular territories in the northeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Plectocephalus variaus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as a self-supporting climber, exhibiting a structural habit that allows it to ascend without relying on external hosts. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and its ecological positioning is strictly terrestrial rather than epiphytic.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Plectocephalus varians has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Chemicals

Plectocephalus varians has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Phenols, Saponins.

Anthraquinones

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Flavonoids

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Glycosides

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Phenols

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Saponins

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Steroids

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Tannins

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Terpenoids

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

polyphenols

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Activities

Plectocephalus varians has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Antioxidant

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Medicinal Uses

Plectocephalus varians has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, hemorrhoids.

Most Reported Uses