Santolina chamaecyparissus

Algodón lavanda

Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Lavender Cotton, is a resilient evergreen shrub prized for its silvery foliage and bright yellow blooms. Renowned in traditional herbalism, it possesses significant antiseptic and carminative properties. This aromatic plant is frequently utilized in aromatherapy and topical remedies to soothe skin and digestion.

  • Scientific name: Santolina chamaecyparissus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Santolina.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Santolina WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Santolina chamaecyparissus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Poland, it is referred to as Santolina cyprysikowata, while in Italian, it is commonly called Santolino. In Catalan, the plant is known as espernallac, and in German, it is identified as Graues Heiligenkraut. Additionally, in Basque, it carries the name Astakamamila.
Language Common Name Source
pl Santolina cyprysikowata Wikidata
io Santolino Wikidata
ca espernallac Wikidata
de Graues Heiligenkraut Wikidata
eu Astakamamila Wikidata
cs svatolína cypřiškovitá Wikidata
cy Hen wraig Wikidata
bg кипарисова сантолина Wikidata
ru Сантолина кипарисовидная Wikidata
gl gei quien lea Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied distribution across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found growing in both Germany and Poland. It also occupies specific territories within the mountainous landscapes of Switzerland. Finally, its range extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically across France.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Santolina chamaecyparysso, is characterized by its distinctive foliage and aromatic properties. The small, silver-grey leaves are densely packed along the stems, creating a fine, textured appearance that is typical of many Mediterranean shrubs. Each individual leaf contributes to the plant's overall scent, which is highly concentrated within its essential oils. These essential oils, extracted from the plant material, are the primary component utilized in various medicinal and aromatic applications.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Santolina chamaecyparissus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-cineole, 2-methylhexacosane, Tetrapentacontane, monoterpenes, n-pentadecanol.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1,8-cineole 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-methylhexacosane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Tetrapentacontane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monoterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
n-pentadecanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Santolina chamaecyparissus has 10 reported activities identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Anticancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antifungal 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Emmenagogue 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hemolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Vermifuge 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Santolina chamaecyparissus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, Aspergillus flavus, COVID-19, molds, vermifuge.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Aspergillus flavus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
molds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vermifuge 1 ★☆☆☆☆
yeast 1 ★☆☆☆☆