firethorns
Pyracantha · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Firethorns, scientifically known as Pyracantha, is a versatile evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant berry clusters and thorny protection. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this resilient plant offers medicinal potential through its antioxidant-rich berries and traditional uses in treating respiratory ailments, making it a fascinating blend of beauty and healing.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Firethorns · Firethorn
- Scientific synonyms
- Timbalia
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- firethorns
- Firethorn
Scientific Names
Accepted name
PyracanthaSynonyms
- Timbalia
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Pingüica
- Piracantos
German:
- Feuerdorn
- Feuerdorn
French:
- Buisson ardent
- Buisson ardent
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae, it is classified under the genus Pyracantha.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Pyracantha |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a varied presence across several different regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be found within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also established in Germany and Switzerland. Furthermore, its range extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically reaching the island of Corse. These locations collectively illustrate the diverse geographical footprint of Pyracantha.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Pyracantha has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Natural product research
Antioxidant
- Natural product research
Conditions
Pyracantha has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include constipation, earache, gastrointestinal diseases, injuries, menstrual cycles.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Earache | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastrointestinal diseases | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Injuries | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Menstrual cycles | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Constipation
- Natural product research
Earache
- Natural product research
Gastrointestinal diseases
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Injuries
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Menstrual cycles
- Natural product research