Silene vulgaris
Silene vulgaris · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Silene vulgaris, commonly known as bladder campion, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This resilient species is widely distributed across temperate regions and is often recognized by its inflated, bladder-like calyx. In botanical research, this plant serves as an important model for studying cellular development and metabolic processes. Studies frequently utilize both the intact plant and specialized callus cultures to investigate its unique physiological properties. By analyzing these different preparations, scientists can gain deeper insights into the plant's growth mechanisms and chemical composition.
- Synonyms
- Cucubalus Behen · Silene Behen Var. Cucubalus · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Silene vulgaris is a versatile plant that is recognized by many different names across various cultures and languages. It is commonly known as Acoleta and is also referred to as Afrentalabradores in certain regions. Depending on the local dialect, you might also encounter it called Alcadicea or Assobios. In German-speaking areas, the species is frequently identified as Aufgeblasenes Leimkraut. This variety of nomenclature highlights the diverse ways this single species is integrated into global botanical traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Silene vulgaris is a botanical species known by a wide array of scientific synonyms throughout history. Within various taxonomic records, it has been identified as Behen oleraceum and Behen vulgaris. Researchers and botanists have also categorized the plant under the names Behenantha behen and Cucubalus behen. Furthermore, the species is frequently documented in older literature as Lychnis behen. This diverse nomenclature reflects the evolving nature of botanical classification and the plant's long-standing presence in scientific study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Silene vulgaris is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that belongs to the class Equisetopsida. Within this biological framework, the plant is classified under the order Caryophyllales. It further falls into the specific family Caryophyllaceae, which showcases its unique structural characteristics. As a representative of the genus Silene, it shares evolutionary traits with many of its close relatives. Understanding these taxonomic relationships provides essential insight into the natural history and classification of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Silene vulgaris exhibits a widespread presence throughout the African continent and the Macaronesian islands. Its range extends specifically across the Canary Islands and the lush landscapes of Madeira. Within the continent, the species is notably found in Northeast Tropical Africa, particularly within the borders of Eritrea. The plant also maintains a significant foothold in Northern Africa, thriving in the diverse environments of Algeria. Furthermore, its distribution continues through the arid yet vital regions of Egypt.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Silene vulgaris is a self-supporting herb that plays a distinct role in its natural ecosystem. This resilient plant exhibits a versatile growth form, allowing it to thrive in various environments. Depending on its surroundings, its height typically ranges from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 1 m. More specific observations often place its lower height threshold around 0.385 m. Through these varying dimensions, the species demonstrates a flexible physical presence in the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Silene vulgaris contains polysaccharides that effectively increase the phagocytic activity of various immune cells. Specifically, both the intact plant and its callus polysaccharides enhance the uptaking capacity of peripheral phagocytes. The acidic arabinogalactan C1 from the callus is also able to stimulate the lysosomal activity of these peripheral phagocytes. Furthermore, the effect of this specific callus component on the myeloperoxidase activity of macrophages is established to be independent of extracellular calcium. These diverse interactions demonstrate that the plant serves as a significant source of immunoactive polysaccharides.
Preparations
Silene vulgaris is prepared as both callus and intact plant to facilitate the isolation of various polysaccharides. Researchers utilized the intact plant to extract pectic polysaccharides, specifically P1, P2, and P3. Additionally, Silene vulgaris is prepared as callus to obtain acidic arabinogalactan C1 and pectin C2. Both the intact plant and the callus serve as essential sources for studying immunoactive polysaccharides. These different preparations allow for the comparison of how specific polysaccharides stimulate phagocytic activity and macrophage mechanisms.