Semialarium mexicanum
Semialarium mexicanum, commonly known as a traditional medicinal herb, holds significant value in regional ethnobotany. Often utilized for its therapeutic potential, this plant is studied for its bioactive compounds. Understanding its chemical properties and historical applications is essential for exploring its role in natural pharmacology and holistic healing practices.
- Scientific name: Semialarium mexicanum
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Semialarium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Celastrales | WCVP |
| Family | Celastraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Semialarium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Semilarium mexicanum, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as Mexican cucumber or Mexican prickly watermelon. In Spanish, the species is commonly called pepino de San Juan or pepino mexicano. Furthermore, in the context of local traditional uses, it may also be identified as cucamelon.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across various regions of Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the central parts of the country in Mexico Central. Its presence extends into the eastern territories, specifically within Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. Additionally, the species is distributed across the western regions of Mexico Northwest and Mexico Southwest. Collectively, these areas define the broad geographical footprint of Semilarium mexicanum.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Semilarium mexicanum, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The medicinal properties are often derived from the stem bark, which is harvested for its specific bioactive compounds. Additionally, the root bark and the entire root are significant parts of the plant, frequently employed in preparations due to the concentrated essence found within the subterranean structures.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Semialarium mexicanum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Trichinella spiralis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Trichinella spiralis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |