Stangeria eriopus
Stangeria paradoxa
Stangeria eriopus, commonly known as the Stangeria fern, is a unique, ancient cycad endemic to South Africa. Often referred to as a "living fossil," this striking plant features distinctive pinnate leaves. Beyond its botanical rarity, it holds significant ethnobotanical value, traditionally utilized in various medicinal practices across its habitat.
- Scientific name: Stangeria eriopus
- Family: Zamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Cycadidae. Within the order Cycadales, it is classified under the family Zamiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Stangeria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Cycadidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cycadales | WCVP |
| Family | Zamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Stangeria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Stangeria eriopus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Czech, it is referred to as stangerie plstnatá, while in Vietnamese, it is called Tuế lá dương xỉ. In Ukrainian, the species is known as Стангерія пухнастонoга, and in Bulgarian, it is simply called стангерия. Additionally, in Afrikaans, it carries the common name Bobbejaankos.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| cs | stangerie plstnatá | Wikidata |
| vi | Tuế lá dương xỉ | Wikidata |
| uk | Стангерія пухнастонога | Wikidata |
| bg | стангерия | Wikidata |
| af | Bobbejaankos | Wikidata |
| zh | 蕨苏铁 | Wikidata |
| de | Stangerioideae | Wikidata |
| de | Farnzykadee | Wikidata |
| en | Stangeria paradoxa | Wikidata |
| en | Natal grass cycad | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is native to the diverse landscapes found within Southern Africa. Its primary distribution encompasses the various regions of the Cape Provinces. Additionally, it can be found growing within the subtropical environments of KwaZulu-Natal. These specific areas provide the necessary ecological conditions for its natural survival. Consequently, its range is concentrated within these distinct southern territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Stangeria eriopus, is primarily valued for its medicinal properties derived from its specialized storage structures. The most significant part used for therapeutic purposes is the underground caudex, which serves as a reservoir for essential compounds. Depending on the specific preparation required, practitioners may utilize the fresh and dry caudex material to extract different bioactive constituents. Whether processed as whole caudex material or specifically harvested segments of the caudex, this tuberous organ remains the central component in traditional applications of the species.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| underground caudex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fresh and dry caudex material | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caudex material | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caudex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Stangeria eriopus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Stangeria eriopus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Emetic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Stangeria eriopus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include emetic, high blood pressure.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| high blood pressure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |