Indian stinging nettle

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Indian stinging nettle

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Croton urens
• Tragia involucrata var. rheediana

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Tragia, with the species being Tragia involucrata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern centered primarily within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing naturally throughout various regions of India. Its presence extends to the island nation of Sri Lanka, where it inhabits local ecosystems. Additionally, the species is documented in the territory of Bangladesh. Finally, its geographical range reaches the Lacadive Islands, completing its regional footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Tragia involucrata is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by the substrate or leaf litter. Within the broader spectrum of plant life forms, it functions specifically as a hemicryptophyte, distinguishing it from other growth strategies such as phanerophytes, chamaephytes, cryptophytes, or therophytes. This strategic positioning of its regenerative structures allows the plant to persist through unfavorable seasonal conditions, ensuring its survival and ability to re-emerge during favorable growing periods.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Tragia involucrata is characterized by its growth form as a herb, which exhibits a non-woody structure throughout its development. This plant functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing surrounding vegetation for support to ascend. It is an independent organism, meaning it does not rely on a host for nutrients as a parasite would, and it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than living as an epiphyte.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Tragia involucrata has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, 2-METHYLNONANE, STARCH, Steroids, Sugars.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis
2. Bioinformation

2-METHYLNONANE

1. Bioinformation

STARCH

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis

Steroids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis

Sugars

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis

Tannins

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis

Activities

Tragia involucrata has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticancer.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antibacterial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Anticancer

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Tragia involucrata has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Burkholderia pseudomallei, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, inflammation, pain.

Burkholderia pseudomallei

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Escherichia coli

1. Journal of pharmaceutical analysis

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Reproductive health

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Tragia involucrata has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extract, vacuum dried 95% ethanolic extracts.

Methanolic extract

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Vacuum dried 95% ethanolic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology