Skimmia laureola

Skimmia laureola, commonly known as Skimmia or Laurel Skimmia, is an evergreen shrub native to Europe and North Africa. Valued in traditional herbalism, it contains various bioactive compounds. While used historically for its medicinal properties, it must be handled with caution due to its potential toxicity if ingested improperly.

  • Scientific name: Skimmia laureola
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rutaceae and falls under the genus Skimmia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Skimmia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Skimmia laureola, is referred to by several common names depending on the language and region. In Simplified Chinese (zh-hans, zh-cn), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), Cantonese (zh-hk), and standard Chinese (zh), it is commonly known as 月桂茵芋.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 月桂茵芋 Wikidata
zh-hant 月桂茵芋 Wikidata
zh-hk 月桂茵芋 Wikidata
zh 月桂茵芋 Wikidata
zh-cn 月桂茵芋 Wikidata
zh-tw 月桂茵芋 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. In China, its presence is noted within the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in Assam. It is also widely distributed throughout the East Himalaya region of the Indian Subcontinent. Finally, its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within Myanmar.

Region Area Source
China Tibet WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Skimmia laureola, possesses various components that contribute to its medicinal profile, with its essential oils being a particularly significant element. These essential oils, primarily concentrated within the leaves and potentially the stems, contain volatile organic compounds that provide the plant with its distinct aromatic properties. In various traditional applications, these oils are studied for their bioactive potential, as they often carry the chemical signatures responsible for the plant's specific therapeutic qualities.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Skimmia laureola has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linalool, linalyl acetate.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
linalool 1 ★☆☆☆☆
linalyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Skimmia laureola has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Skimmia laureola has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bacteria, cold, shivering.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cold 1 ★☆☆☆☆
shivering 1 ★☆☆☆☆