Aconitum taipeicum

Aconitum taipeiacum, commonly known as the Taipei monkshood, is a striking perennial herb native to high-altitude regions. While prized for its ornamental beauty and unique floral structure, it contains potent alkaloids. In traditional practices, it is studied for medicinal potential, though extreme caution is required due to its toxicity.

  • Scientific name: Aconitum taipeicum
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

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.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Ranunculaceae WCVP
Genus Aconitum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Aconitum taipeicum, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 太白乌头 (zh) and 太白乌头 (zh-cn), while in Taiwan, the traditional character form 太白烏頭 (zh-tw) is used. Additionally, it is also commonly known as 金牛七 (zh).
Language Common Name Source
zh 太白乌头 Wikidata
zh-cn 太白乌头 Wikidata
zh-tw 太白烏頭 Wikidata
zh 金牛七 Wikidata

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.

Region Area Source
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Aconitum taipeiucum, exhibits distinct morphological characteristics across its various structures. The stem is typically erect and sturdy, providing the necessary support for the plant's upward growth within its habitat. The leaves are deeply lobed or divided, often presenting a complex shape that is characteristic of the genus. Most notably, the plant produces striking flowers that emerge from the stem, which serve as a key identifying feature for this medicinal species.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Aconitum taipeicum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 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.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Nonacosane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stigmast-4-en-3-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
n-Hexadecanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆