Rhizanthes
Rhizanthes · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Rhizanthes, is a remarkable and enigmatic Australian plant. Often called the Underground Orchid, it is unique for spending its entire life cycle beneath the soil. This rare, subterranean species relies on specialized underground fungi for survival, making it a fascinating subject of botanical study.
- Family
- Rafflesiaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Mycetanthe
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
RhizanthesSynonyms
- Mycetanthe
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is classified under the family Rafflesiaceae and the genus Rhizanthes.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rafflesiaceae |
| Genus | Rhizanthes |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is recorded in Thailand. It is also widely distributed throughout the Malesia zone, including the island of Borneo. Furthermore, the species can be found across Jawa and Malaya. Finally, its range extends to the island of Sumatera within the Malesia region.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Indo-China | Thailand |
| Malesia | Borneo |
| Malesia | Jawa |
| Malesia | Malaya |
| Malesia | Sumatera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Rhizanthes has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticholinergic, Hallucinogenic, Psychoactive.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticholinergic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hallucinogenic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Psychoactive | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticholinergic
- Journal of paediatrics and child health
Hallucinogenic
- Journal of paediatrics and child health
Psychoactive
- Journal of ethnopharmacology