Rivina humilis
Rivina humilis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Rivina humilis, commonly known as pigeonberry, is a perennial herb recognized for its diverse pharmacological potential. Recent scientific investigations have focused on evaluating the biological activities of its methanolic extracts. These studies specifically target the efficacy of the plant against several significant bacterial pathogens. The research examines the inhibitory effects of the extracts on Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Understanding these antimicrobial properties may provide valuable insights into developing new natural therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Tithonia Humilis · Piercea Acuminata · 40 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Petiveriaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Rivina humilis is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional names across various cultures. It is commonly referred to as Baby Pepper, a name that reflects its small, delicate appearance. In certain areas, it is identified as Bajatripa or known as Caimonicillo. In Trinidad and Tobago, the plant is frequently called Bloodberry due to its distinctive color. Additionally, it is recognized by the name Caimoní cimarrón, showcasing the rich linguistic diversity surrounding this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Rivina humilis is a botanical subject that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this plant is often referred to by the name Piercea acuminata. It is also recognized under several other designations, including Piercea glabra and Piercea obliquata. Furthermore, the species is documented as Piercea tomentosa in certain botanical contexts. Finally, the name Rivina andamanensis serves as another valid synonym for this multifaceted organism.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Rivina humilis is a distinctive botanical species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the specific order known as Caryophyllales. This plant is a member of the genus Rivina, which defines its unique structural characteristics. Finally, it is categorized under the family Petiveriaceae, completing its formal biological lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Petiveriaceae |
| Genus | Rivina |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Rivina humilis exhibits a broad geographical presence across various regions of the African continent. Its distribution includes parts of East Tropical Africa, specifically within Tanzania, and extends to the Northeast Tropical reaches of Somalia. The plant is also found in South Tropical Africa, with notable populations located in Mozambique. Beyond the mainland, its range stretches to the Macaronesian islands, encompassing both Cape Verde and Madeira. This diverse spread highlights the plant's ability to adapt to varied environments across the African landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Rivina humilis is a versatile herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a modest stature, with heights generally ranging between 0.3 m and 1.2 m. While it often maintains a smaller profile, some specimens can grow to reach a minimum height of 0.825 m. This variety in size allows the herb to adapt effectively to different environmental conditions. Ultimately, its compact structure makes it a manageable addition to many garden settings.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Rivina humilis demonstrates antimicrobial potential through its methanolic extracts, which exhibit weak inhibitory activities against several pathogens. Specifically, this plant species shows the ability to treat Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. It also provides inhibitory effects against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the extracts of Rivina humilis are effective in treating Enterococcus faecium. These specific medicinal relationships were identified during the screening of plant species from Northern Argentina.
Preparations
Rivina humilis is prepared as methanolic extracts for the purpose of screening antimicrobial activity. These specific extracts were tested against several microbial species, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. During the evaluation, the methanolic preparations of this plant demonstrated weak inhibitory activities. The concentration used for this measurement was 0.5 mg of dry matter per milliliter. This study focused on how such extracts interact with various test organisms through microplate assays.