Aconitum palmatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aconitum ferox subsp. palmatum
• Nirbisia bisma
• Aconitum bisma
• Caltha bisma

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Aconitum palmatum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Ranunculales and the family Ranunculaceae. Its specific taxonomic classification concludes within the genus Aconitum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key mountainous regions in Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted within the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the lush terrain of Assam. The species also inhabits the vast stretches of the East Himalaya and the rugged landscapes of the West Himalaya. Finally, its range extends significantly into the mountainous country of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aconitum palmatum is defined by its preference for high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within specific vertical distribution limits. This species is specifically adapted to alpine and subalpine zones, occupying a precise elevational range that begins at 2,700 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3,700 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal belt, the plant is typically found in cool, moist habitats, such as mountain meadows, rocky crevices, or along the edges of subalpine shrublands, where the environmental conditions provide the necessary moisture and temperature fluctuations characteristic of high-elevation ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2700 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Aconitum palmatum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, featuring a non-woody structure throughout its development. As a terrestrial species, it establishes itself within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte. Regarding its climbing habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, maintaining its upright stature without the need for external structures for support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Aconitum palmatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hypaconitine, aconitine.

Hypaconitine

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

aconitine

1. Chemistry & biodiversity