Glehnia is a genus of plants in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Glehnia littoralis,[1] commonly known as beach silvertop and American silvertop. The genus was named after Russian botanist Peter von Glehn.[2]
| Glehnia | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Apioideae |
| Tribe: | Selineae |
| Genus: | Glehnia F.Schmidt |
| Species: | G. littoralis |
| Binomial name | |
| Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq. | |
Description
It is a long-taprooted plant forming a basal patch of leaves, with each leaf made up of several rounded, lobular segments. It reaches a maximum height exceeding .5 metres (1+1⁄2 feet), with the North American subspecies only reported to reach 6.5 centimetres (2+1⁄2 inches).[3] The plant's erect stem is topped with an umbel of carrotlike white flowers.
Chemistry
The plant contains naphthisoxazole A.[4]
Taxonomy
Two subspecies exist, one in Asia and one in North America; the latter is named leiocarpa.[3]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to eastern Asia, particularly eastern China, Japan, and far-eastern Russia, and western North America from Alaska to northern California. It can be found on sandy beaches and dunes.[3]
Uses
The plant is perhaps best known as a Chinese herbal remedy for cough.[5]
References
External links
- "Glehnia littoralis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
- USDA Plants Profile
- Flora of China
- Photo gallery