Ulex europaeus
Ulex europaeus, commonly known as gorse, is a hardy, evergreen shrub native to Western Europe. Characterized by its dense, thorny structure and fragrant yellow blossoms, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditionally, its wood was used as fuel, while its various parts have featured in diverse folk medicinal practices.
- Scientific name: Ulex europaeus
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ulex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ulex | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Ulex europaeus, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. The species is also widely distributed across the landscapes of Great Britain. Additionally, it inhabits various habitats within the country of Ireland. Finally, its presence extends further north into the territories of both Norway and Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ulex europaeus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include N-acetylglucosamine, chitobiose, fucose, fucosylgalactose, fucosyllactose.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| N-acetylglucosamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chitobiose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fucosylgalactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fucosyllactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| galactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ulex europaeus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |