Plectranthus ecklonii

Plectranthus ecklonii, commonly known as the "madoqua" or "scented bush," is a resilient medicinal herb native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its aromatic, succulent leaves, this plant is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and skin irritations, offering significant therapeutic potential in ethnomedicine.

  • Scientific name: Plectranthus ecklonii
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Plectranthus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Plectranthus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Plectranthus ecklonii, is recognized by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is commonly referred to as 艾克伦延命草 (Àikèlún yánmìngcǎo).
Language Common Name Source
zh 艾克伦延命草 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily native to the various regions of Southern Africa. Within this continent, its natural range includes the Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Provinces. Beyond its African origins, it has established a presence in the Middle Atlantic Ocean on the island of St. Helena. Additionally, the species can be found growing in New Zealand North. This widespread distribution demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environments across different hemispheres.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP
Middle Atlantic Ocean St.Helena WCVP
New Zealand New Zealand North WCVP

Chemicals

Plectranthus ecklonii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Parvifloron D.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Parvifloron D 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Plectranthus ecklonii has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Plectranthus ecklonii has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include leukemia, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
melanoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triple-negative breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆