Zygophyllum simplex
Zygophyllum simplex, commonly known as the simple caltrop, is a resilient succulent native to arid African regions. Distinguished by its fleshy leaves and unique floral structure, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, it offers intriguing properties for treating various ailments within desert ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Zygophyllum simplex
- Family: Zygophyllaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Zygophyllum, specifically as the species Zygophyllum simplex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zygophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Zygophyllaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Zygophyllum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the northern regions of the African continent. It can be found growing across several North African nations, including Egypt and Libya. Its range extends westward to include the territories of Morocco and Western Sahara. Additionally, the species reaches into the Macaronesian islands, specifically located in Cape Verde. Together, these locations define the unique geographical footprint of Zygophyllum simplex.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
Activities
Zygophyllum simplex has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Hypoglycemic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Zygophyllum simplex has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, analgesic, glucose, triglycerides.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triglycerides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |