Salix babylonica
Salix babylonica, commonly known as the Weeping Willow, is a graceful medicinal plant valued for centuries. Its bark contains salicin, a natural precursor to aspirin, offering potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Historically used to treat pain and fever, this iconic tree remains a cornerstone in traditional and modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Salix babylonica
- Family: Salicaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Salicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Salix.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Salicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Salix | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and climate zones. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing in countries such as Austria and Belgium. Its range extends into Eastern Europe, specifically within the regions of South European Russia. Moving toward the southern hemisphere, the species is established in South Tropical Africa, notably in Zimbabwe. Finally, its presence is recorded in the Southern Africa region within the Cape Provinces.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Free State | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kirgizstan | WCVP |
Activities
Salix babylonica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Salix babylonica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hypoglycemic.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |