Arabian Milfoil

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Achillea micrantha f. tenuisecta
• Achillea biebersteinii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Achillea as the species Achillea arabica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence can be identified within Germany. It also extends into Southwestern Europe, where it is found in both France and Spain. Moving toward the Balkans, the species is documented in Southeastern Europe, specifically in Bulgaria. Finally, its range reaches into Eastern Europe, encompassing parts of South European Russia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Achillea arabica is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of topographical and geological landscapes, spanning elevations from 600 m to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, colonizing varied environments including hills, mountains, and the banks of rivers. It is particularly well-adapted to disturbed or specialized substrates, frequently found growing in sandy areas as well as stony places, which allows it to occupy distinct niches within its mountainous and undulating habitats.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Habitat :

hills, mountains, rivers, sand, stony places

Life history

The life history of Achillea arabica is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, the species exhibits a hemicryptophyte life form, meaning its perennial buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or the ground layer during unfavorable conditions. This specific growth habit, categorized under both hemicryptophyte life form descriptors, enables the plant to maintain its presence in its natural habitat by regenerating from these protected subterranean or surface-level buds after periods of dormancy.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Achillea arabica is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, presenting a primarily terrestrial existence rather than an aquatic or epiphytic lifestyle. This self-supporting plant does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, maintaining its structure independently. It reaches a relatively modest stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.12 m to a maximum of 0.6 m. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, growing autonomously in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.12 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Achillea arabica is characterized by a distinct flowering period and specific seed morphology. The plant's flowering cycle typically commences in May and extends through August, although the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, it produces seeds that exhibit a wide range of mass values, reflecting significant variability in seed size. The seed mass can be as low as 0.00001 g (1e-05 g) and reaches a maximum of 0.00034 g, with an overall mean seed mass calculated at 0.0001275 g.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Seed mass max:

0.00034 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0001275 g

Seed mass min:

1e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Achillea arabica has 4 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf, root, stem.

Flower

1. Acta biologica Hungarica
2. BioMed research international

Leaf

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Root

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Stem

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Chemicals

Achillea arabica has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include P-CYMENE, dimethoate.

P-CYMENE

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

dimethoate

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Activities

Achillea arabica has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Fungicide, Hepatoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Fungicide

1. Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology

Hepatoprotective

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Preparations