Porophyllum gracile

Porophyllum gracile, commonly known as the slender porophyllum, is a versatile medicinal herb native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its aromatic properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat digestive ailments and skin inflammations. Its unique chemical profile offers significant potential for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Porophyllum gracile
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and is specifically identified by the genus Porophyllum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Porophyllum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Porophyllum gracile, is recognized by a variety of common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as slender porophyllum, while in Spanish, it is commonly called porofillo gracil. Within various regional dialects, it may also be identified by names such as hierba de mopa or mopa, reflecting its traditional uses in local medicinal practices.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions in North America. In the Southwestern United States, it can be found growing in both Arizona and California. Its presence extends into the South-Central United States, specifically within the states of New Mexico and Texas. Moving southward, the species is also established in the northeastern parts of Mexico. Together, these areas define the natural range of this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Southwestern U.S.A. Arizona WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP
South-Central U.S.A. New Mexico WCVP
South-Central U.S.A. Texas WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Porophyllum gracile, is characterized by its distinct structural components, specifically its stems and leaves. The stems are typically slender and branched, providing a flexible yet supportive framework that allows the plant to grow in its natural habitat. Complementing the stems are the leaves, which are often small, aromatic, and arranged in a way that maximizes their exposure to sunlight, playing a crucial role in the plant's medicinal potency.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Porophyllum gracile has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids, ketones, terpenes.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
alcohols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aldehydes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ketones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Porophyllum gracile has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆