Short-leaf anabasis

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Short-leaf anabasis

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anabasis abolinii
• Salsola abolinii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Anabasis brevifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the family Amaranthaceae within the genus Anabasis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across parts of Northern and Central Asia. In the Russian region of Siberia, it can be found specifically within the Altai and Tuva territories. Its range extends southward into Central Asia, where it inhabits Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Furthermore, the species is documented within the Inner Mongolia region of China. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various continental landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Anabasis brevifolia is characterized by its ability to thrive in specialized and harsh environmental conditions. This species is primarily found inhabiting mountainous terrains, where it adapts to the rugged topography and varying elevations. It demonstrates a high degree of tolerance for physiological stress, frequently colonizing saline places where high salt concentrations would inhibit the growth of most other vegetation. Furthermore, its ecological niche extends to stony places, where it establishes itself among rocky substrates and mineral-rich soils, demonstrating a robust capacity for survival in nutrient-poor and physically challenging landscapes.

Habitat :

mountains, saline places, stony places

Morphology

The morphology of Anabasis brevifolia is characterized by a low-growing, woody structure that functions as a subshrub. This plant exhibits a growth form categorized between a shrub and a subshrub, maintaining a compact stature with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.25 m. Although it can be found in various environments, its habitat profile includes aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial settings. As an independent organism, it does not rely on a host, functioning as a non-parasitic species. Its physical constitution is notably woody, providing the structural integrity required for its diminutive, spreading habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anabasis brevifolia is characterized by specialized metabolic adaptations that allow it to thrive in arid and saline environments. A defining physiological feature of this species is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes the C4 pathway to optimize carbon fixation under high temperatures and limited water availability. Unlike plants utilizing the standard C3 pathway, Anabasis brevifolia employs a modified leaf anatomy and enzymatic efficiency to minimize photorespiration, thereby enhancing water-use efficiency and maintaining high rates of biomass production despite environmental stressors. This C4 mechanism allows the plant to concentrate CO2 around the enzyme RuBisCO, ensuring efficient assimilation even when stomata are partially closed to prevent transpiration.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anabasis brevifolia is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process begins in July and continues through to August, marking a concentrated period of floral development. While these months represent the primary period of anthesis, the reproductive timing can be subject to environmental influences, suggesting a degree of variability in its seasonal phenology.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Anabasis brevifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-methyl-but-2-enoic acid-[2-(4-methoxy phenyl)-ethyl]-amide.

3-methyl-but-2-enoic acid-[2-(4-methoxy phenyl)-ethyl]-amide

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Preparations

Anabasis brevifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include chloroform-extract.

Chloroform-extract

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica