Santolina viscosa

Santolina viscosa, commonly known as Sacred Lavender or Cotton Lavender, is a perennial aromatic shrub native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Renowned for its silvery-grey foliage and yellow blooms, this medicinal plant is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and skin inflammations.

  • Scientific name: Santolina viscosa
  • 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. Finally, it is specifically identified by 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, Santolina viscosa, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as sticky santolina, while in Hindi, it is commonly called bura san, and in Arabic, it is known as al-mishmish.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. It is primarily found within the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. Within this territory, its presence is most notable in the country of Spain. The species thrives in the unique environmental conditions provided by this particular area. Consequently, its distribution remains concentrated in these specific coastal and inland landscapes.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Santolina viscosa, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the aromatic stems, small silvery-green leaves, and delicate flowering heads, contain the essential oils and bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic effects. Because the medicinal properties are concentrated in these surface components, the aerial parts are typically harvested, dried, and then used to prepare infusions, decoctions, or topical applications to treat various ailments.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Santolina viscosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include TNF-alpha, oblongifolidiol.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
TNF-alpha 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oblongifolidiol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Santolina viscosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include TNF-alpha.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
TNF-alpha 1 ★☆☆☆☆