Sarcophyton

Sarcophyton, commonly known as leather corals, are essential reef-building organisms known for their soft, fleshy structures. These colonial cnidarians play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat and stability. Often used in aquaria, they are prized for their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and remarkable biological resilience.

  • Scientific name: Sarcophyton
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it is specifically categorized under the family Orchidaceae. Within this family, it is identified by the genus Sarcophyton.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Orchidaceae WCVP
Genus Sarcophyton WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Sarcophyton, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In French, it is called Sarcophyton (cnidaire), while in German, it is known as Pilz-Lederkoralle. In Chinese, the genus is identified as 肉芝软珊瑚属, a name that is used across different regional coding standards including zh, zh-hans, and zh-cn.
Language Common Name Source
fr Sarcophyton (cnidaire) Wikidata
zh 肉芝软珊瑚属 Wikidata
zh-hans 肉芝软珊瑚属 Wikidata
zh-cn 肉芝软珊瑚属 Wikidata
de Pilz-Lederkoralle Wikidata
de Sarcophyton (Animalia) Wikidata
fr Sarcophyton (Animalia) Wikidata
ru Sarcophyton (Animalia) Wikidata
es Sarcophyton (Animalia) Wikidata
it Sarcophyton (Animalia) Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific and limited geographical distribution within tropical and subtropical regions. In Eastern Asia, its presence is notably recorded in Taiwan. Moving further south into the Malesia region, the species can also be found in the Philippines. These two locations represent the primary known habitats for the genus. Consequently, its range is concentrated within these specific island territories of Asia.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Malesia Philippines WCVP

Chemicals

Sarcophyton has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bislatumlide A, ceramide, fatty acids, sesquiterpenes, steroids.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
bislatumlide A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ceramide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sesquiterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Sarcophyton has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antitumor, Antiviral, Neuroprotective.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sarcophyton has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, antidiabetic, antiviral.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SARS-CoV-2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆