Pleopeltis polylepis
Pleopeltis polylepis, commonly known as the broad-leafed fern, is a remarkable medicinal plant valued in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its unique bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Understanding its botanical properties offers fascinating insights into the intersection of nature and holistic healing.
- Scientific name: Pleopeltis polylepis
- Family: Polypodiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Polypodiinae within the order Polypodiales. Belonging to the family Polypodiaceae, it is specifically identified by the genus Pleopeltis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pleopeltis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Pleopeltis polylepis, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Polylepides fern, while in Spanish, it is known as helecho polylepides. In Portuguese, the plant is called helecho polylepides, and in French, it is identified as fougère polylepides.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of North America. In the South-Central United States, it can be found specifically within the state of Texas. Its presence extends significantly into Mexico, where it is common throughout the central regions. Furthermore, the species inhabits the northeastern and northwestern territories of Mexico. Finally, it is also widely distributed across the coastal areas of the Mexican Gulf.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Pleopeltis polylepis, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the lush green fronds and stems, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for therapeutic applications. Because the medicinal efficacy is concentrated in these visible, surface-level components, the aerial parts are the specific sections harvested and processed for traditional or pharmacological use.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Pleopeltis polylepis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pleopeltis polylepis has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bleeding, chest pain, cough, fever, pertussis.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bleeding | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chest pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pertussis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| typhoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |