Pterocaulon sphacelatum
Pterocaulon sphacelatum, commonly known as the "Pterocaulon" or locally by various regional names, is a versatile medicinal herb valued in traditional healing practices. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, this plant is frequently utilized to treat inflammatory conditions, digestive issues, and skin ailments, offering significant potential in ethnobotanical research.
- Scientific name: Pterocaulon sphacelatum
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, specifically falling under the family Asteraceae. Within this family, it is identified by its genus, Pterocaulon.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pterocaulon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Pterocaulon sphacelatum, is known by various regional names depending on the local language and territory. In English, it is commonly referred to as the feathered stem or the feathered pterocaulon, while in Hindi, it is known as Chidwa. In its native regions, it may also be identified by different vernacular terms that reflect its unique botanical characteristics.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Within the Malesian region, it can be specifically found inhabiting the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its presence extends significantly into Australia, where it is documented in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Furthermore, the species occupies southern territories, including South Australia. Finally, its range reaches as far as New South Wales, demonstrating its wide ecological adaptability.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
| Australia | New South Wales | WCVP |
| Australia | Northern Territory | WCVP |
| Australia | Queensland | WCVP |
| Australia | South Australia | WCVP |
| Australia | Victoria | WCVP |
| Australia | Western Australia | WCVP |
| Southwestern Pacific | New Caledonia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Pterocaulon sphacelatum, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which include the stems and leaves, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic properties. In various herbal preparations, these aerial parts are harvested and processed to harness the plant's medicinal potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pterocaulon sphacelatum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chrysosplenol C.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysosplenol C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pterocaulon sphacelatum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include poliovirus type 1.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| poliovirus type 1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |