Spiranthera odoratissima

Spiranthera odoratissima, commonly known as the Fragrant Ladies' Tresses, is a delicate perennial herb valued for its exquisite, aromatic blooms. Beyond its aesthetic charm, this plant holds significant traditional importance in herbal medicine, where its unique properties are utilized to support various wellness practices and holistic healing rituals.

  • Scientific name: Spiranthera odoratissima
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

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 is identified by the genus Spiranthera.

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

Common Names

This plant, Spiranthera odoratissima, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the fragrant spiranth, while in Chinese, it is known as xiāng lán (香兰).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, its presence is documented within the borders of Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is widely distributed across multiple diverse territories. Specifically, it can be found throughout the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. Additionally, the plant's distribution extends into the West-Central area of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Spiranthera odoratissimas, is characterized by its specific morphological features, most notably its leaves which play a vital role in its physiological processes. The leaves are typically arranged in a way that supports the plant's growth habit, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis to provide the energy necessary for its medicinal properties. Through these leaves, the plant captures sunlight and facilitates gas exchange, contributing to the overall vitality and chemical composition of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Spiranthera odoratissima has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Spiranthera odoratissima has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, headaches, inflammation, pain, rheumatism.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
headaches 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆