Aconitum bulleyanum
Aconitum bulleyanum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
scientifically known as Aconiutum bulleyanum, is a potent medicinal plant native to specific mountainous regions. Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, it contains complex alkaloids that require precise handling. While traditionally utilized in folk medicine for its bioactive properties, its extreme toxicity necessitates expert knowledge during any therapeutic application.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Aconitum bulleyanumSources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Aconitum bulleyanum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Aconitum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Aconitum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited range of occurrence in the wild. Its documented presence is confined primarily to the regional landscapes of China. Specifically, the species can be found within the South-Central portion of the country. This localized distribution pattern suggests that the plant thrives under particular environmental conditions unique to this area. Consequently, its geographical footprint remains relatively small within the broader context of global flora.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| China | China South-Central |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Ecology
The ecology of Aconitum bulleyanum is defined by its specialization within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific niche within a narrow altitudinal band. This species is strictly adapted to cool, high-elevation ecosystems, exhibiting a precise elevational range that spans from a minimum of 3200 m AMSL to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. The distribution of the plant is highly concentrated around a mean elevation of 3350 m AMSL, suggesting that its physiological requirements for temperature, moisture, and atmospheric pressure are optimized for these specific subalpine or alpine conditions. Such a restricted vertical range indicates that the species is likely a specialist of stable, high-mountain habitats where it must contend with unique environmental stressors characteristic of these altitudes.
- Elevational range max:
- 3500 m AMSL
- Elevational range mean:
- 3350 m AMSL
- Elevational range min:
- 3200 m AMSL
Morphology
The morphology of Aconitum bulleyanum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, specifically functioning as a forb within its ecosystem. It exhibits a non-woody structure, lacking permanent woody tissue in its stems. Regarding its climbing habit, the plant is categorized as a self-supporting climber, meaning it possesses the structural integrity to maintain its upright position without the strict necessity of external support, though it retains the capacity to scale surrounding vegetation.
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Growth form :
- herb
- Woodiness :
- non-woody
Physiology
The physiology of Aconitum bulleyanum is characterized by distinct morphological adaptations in its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic capacity and environmental interaction. The leaf structure exhibits significant variability in dimensions, with leaf lengths typically ranging from a minimum of 9 cm to a mean of 10 cm, reaching a maximum of 11 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width demonstrates a broad expansive capacity, measuring as little as 13 cm at its minimum and extending to a maximum width of 18 cm. These specific leaf dimensions contribute to the plant's overall surface area, influencing its gas exchange efficiency and metabolic regulation within its natural habitat.
- Leaf length max:
- 11 cm
- Leaf length mean:
- 10 cm
- Leaf length min:
- 9 cm
- Leaf width max:
- 18 cm
- Leaf width min:
- 13 cm
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Chemicals
Aconitum bulleyanum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Crassicauline A, Lycoctonine, Vilmorrianine C, Yunaconitine, lappaconitine.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Crassicauline A | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lycoctonine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vilmorrianine C | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Yunaconitine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lappaconitine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Crassicauline A
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Lycoctonine
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Vilmorrianine C
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Yunaconitine
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
lappaconitine
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica