Scabiosa arenaria

Scabiosa arenaria, commonly known as the sand scabious, is a resilient perennial herb native to coastal and sandy habitats. Renowned for its delicate, pincushion-like blooms, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical interest. It is traditionally studied for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in treating skin ailments and inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Scabiosa arenaria
  • Family: Caprifoliaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dipsacales, it falls under the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, it is specifically categorized under the genus Scabiosa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Dipsacales WCVP
Family Caprifoliaceae WCVP
Genus Scabiosa WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Scabiosa arenaria, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is often called sand scabious, while in German, it is known as Sand-Skabiose. In Spanish, the plant is referred to as escabiosa de las arenas, and in French, it is known as scabieuse des sables.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as Scabiosa arenaria, is primarily distributed across the northern reaches of the African continent. Its presence is recorded in the coastal and inland regions of Morocco and Algeria. Additionally, the species can be found throughout the territories of Tunisia and Libya. The geographical range extends further east to include parts of Egypt. Collectively, these locations highlight its specific adaptation to the North African landscape.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP
Western Asia Sinai WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant is characterized by its distinctive flower, which serves as a key identifying feature of the species. The inflorescence typically consists of small, tubular florets clustered together to form a head, often displaying shades that attract specific pollinators to the area.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Scabiosa arenaria has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include apigenin 7-O-glucoside, cinnamic acid, luteolin, luteolin 7-O-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
apigenin 7-O-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cinnamic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 7-O-glucopyranoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin-7-O-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleanolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Scabiosa arenaria has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, diabetic complications, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetic complications 1 ★☆☆☆☆
type 2 diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆