Acanthophyllum glandulosum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Central and Western Asian landscapes. In Central Asia, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Turkmenistan. It can also be found growing in the mountainous terrains of Tajikistan. Moving into Western Asia, the species is documented to inhabit various areas of Afghanistan. Finally, its geographical range extends further into the territory of Iran.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acanthophyllum glandulosum is characterized by its adaptation to high-altitude environments, specifically thriving within a specialized elevational range that extends from 2100 m to a maximum of 3300 m AMSL. This species is primarily found in mountainous regions, where it establishes itself in rugged and stony places. These habitats suggest a preference for well-drained, rocky substrates typical of alpine or subalpine terrains, where the plant can endure the distinct climatic stresses associated with such high-elevation mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2100 m AMSL

Habitat :

mountains, stony places

Life history

The life history of Acanthophyllum glandulosum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategy, it exhibits a chamaephyte life form, meaning its permanent buds are located close to the soil surface, protected by the substrate or low-growing vegetation. This combination of longevity and a low-growing stature enables the species to endure its specific environmental conditions over extended periods.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acanthophyllum glandulosum is characterized by its small stature and herbaceous growth form. As a non-woody herb, the plant maintains a relatively low profile, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.2 m. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior.

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.2 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Acanthophyllum glandulosum is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive period. The flowering process typically commences in May, marking the onset of its reproductive activity. This period of floral development and pollination continues through the late spring and early summer months, ultimately reaching its conclusion in July. This defined window from May to July represents the primary interval during which the plant produces flowers to facilitate sexual reproduction.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Acanthophyllum glandulosum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Acanthophyllum glandulosum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.

Roots

1. Journal of natural products