Aconitum taipeicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Aconitum taipeicum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Aconitum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Aconitum taipeicum, exhibits a specific range within the diverse landscapes of China. Its presence is primarily documented across the North-Central regions of the country. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the China Southeast territories. This distribution pattern highlights its ability to inhabit various climatic zones across the mainland. Consequently, these specific regions define the known natural habitat for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aconitum taipeicum is strictly defined by its preference for high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within specific altitudinal bands. This species is characteristic of alpine or subalpine zones, maintaining a specialized niche that is dictated by elevation. Its distribution follows a precise vertical gradient, with a minimum elevational range starting at 2600 m AMSL and reaching a maximum peak of 3400 m AMSL. The species shows a strong ecological preference for mid-to-high range elevations, as evidenced by a mean elevational range of approximately 3000 m AMSL. These specific parameters suggest that the plant is adapted to the unique climatic conditions, soil compositions, and moisture levels found in these high-elevation habitats.

Elevational range max:

3400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2600 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Aconitum taipeiacum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, specifically classified as a non-woody herb. It lacks any climbing mechanisms, as it is not a climber and does not possess obligatory, facultative, or self-supporting climbing structures. Instead, it maintains a consistent herbaceous stature throughout its life cycle, exhibiting a non-woody vegetative structure.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Aconitum taipeiacum is characterized by distinct morphological variations in its foliage, which serve as critical indicators of its developmental stage and environmental adaptation. The leaves exhibit a specific range of dimensions, with the leaf length typically maintaining a mean value of 4.5 cm, though it can fluctuate between a minimum of 3.5 cm and a maximum of 5.5 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation is a significant breadth in leaf width, which scales from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 7 cm. These dimensional parameters suggest a robust photosynthetic surface area capable of supporting the plant's metabolic requirements within its specific ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

5.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

4.5 cm

Leaf length min:

3.5 cm

Leaf width max:

7 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aconitum taipeicum has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf, stem.

Flower

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Leaf

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Stem

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Aconitum taipeicum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,7,11,15-TETRAMETHYL-2-HEXADECEN-1-OL, NONACOSANE, Stigmast-4-en-3-one, n-Hexadecanoic acid.

3,7,11,15-TETRAMETHYL-2-HEXADECEN-1-OL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

NONACOSANE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Stigmast-4-en-3-one

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

n-Hexadecanoic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Preparations

Aconitum taipeicum has 3 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract, methanol extracts, petroleum fraction.

Methanol extract

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Methanol extracts

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Petroleum fraction

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials