Spergularia ramosa

Spergularia ramosa, commonly known as branched pearlwort, is a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Often found in sandy soils or disturbed habitats, this resilient species is recognized by its delicate, branching stems. While primarily studied in botanical research, it holds potential interest in traditional medicinal practices.

  • Scientific name: Spergularia ramosa
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Caryophyllaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Spergularia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Caryophyllaceae WCVP
Genus Spergularia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Spergularia ramosa, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as branched spergulariad, while in German, it is known as Verzweigte Spergulariade. In French, the species is called spergulariade ramifiée, and in Spanish, it is identified as spergulariade ramificada.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several distinct regions of South America. In Western South America, its range includes the territory of Bolivia. It can also be found within the southern portions of Brazil. Moving into Southern South America, the species is widely distributed across the northeast, south, and northwest regions of Argentina. Collectively, these locations highlight a diverse geographical spread throughout the continent.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Argentina South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Spergularia ramosa, is primarily utilized in traditional medicinal practices through its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which include the slender, branched stems, small leaves, and delicate flowering structures, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic effects. When preparing decoctions or infusions, it is these aerial parts that are harvested and processed to harness the plant's medicinal properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Spergularia ramosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gypsogenin, quillaic acid.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
gypsogenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quillaic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆