Stylosanthes erecta
Stylosanthes erecta, commonly known as False Desmodium, is a resilient herbaceous plant valued in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, it is frequently utilized for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This versatile legume plays a crucial role in ethnobotanical practices, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Stylosanthes erecta
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Stylosanthes erecta, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Stylosanthes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Stylosanthes | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Stylosanthes erecta, is referred to by different common names depending on the language. In Chinese, it is known as 圭亚那圭花 (Guīyà nà guī huā) and 直立笔花豆 (Zhílì bǐ huā dòu).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 圭亚那圭花 | Wikidata |
| zh | 直立笔花豆 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing across several distinct countries throughout this part of the continent. Specifically, its presence is documented in the nation of Benin. The species also inhabits the territories of Burkina and Ghana. Furthermore, the plant's range extends into Guinea and the Ivory Coast.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Buttonweed, is characterized by its distinct morphology where the medicinal properties are primarily concentrated in the aerial parts. The aerial part of Stylosanthes erecta consists of a prostrate to ascending stem, small trifoliate leaves, and tiny, yellow, button-like flower heads that grow close to the ground. In herbal applications, the entire aerial parts are often harvested for their bioactive compounds, as the leaves and flowers are the primary components used in traditional medicinal preparations.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Stylosanthes erecta has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include iron.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| iron | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Stylosanthes erecta has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cystitis, schistosomiasis.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cystitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| schistosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |