Coiledleaf Pearleverlasting

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Coiledleaf Pearleverlasting

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Antennaria contorta
• Gnaphalium contortum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Anaphalis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is specifically found in the South-Central areas as well as the Tibet region. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species is widely distributed throughout India. It can also be found in the specific ecological zones of Assam. Finally, its range extends across the East Himalaya region of the subcontinent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Anaphalis contorta is defined by its adaptation to high-altitude environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche within mountain ecosystems. The species is primarily distributed across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from a minimum elevation of 1,700 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 4,500 m AMSL. Throughout its habitat, it maintains a mean elevation of approximately 2,600 m AMSL, positioning it as a characteristic component of montane and sub-alpine vegetation zones. This wide elevational range suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to withstand the varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and UV exposure levels typical of high-altitude tropical or subtropical montane landscapes.

Elevational range max:

4500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Anaphalis contorta is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial herb, it establishes a stable presence within its ecological niche, often utilizing a robust root system to sustain itself through varying environmental conditions. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to undergo repeated reproductive cycles, contributing to its ability to colonize and maintain its population in its native habitats. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single season, or biennials that require two, the perennial nature of Anaphalis contorta ensures a continuous lifecycle that supports long-term vegetative growth and periodic flowering.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Anaphalis contorta is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative parts. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte. Regarding its climbing habits, the plant is categorized as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on other structures as an obligatory or facultative climber, nor does it function as a liana or vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Anaphalis contorta are closely reflected in its foliar development and morphological dimensions. The plant exhibits significant variability in its leaf length, a trait that plays a crucial role in its photosynthetic capacity and environmental adaptation. Statistical analysis of its foliage reveals a mean leaf length of 3.75 cm, indicating a moderate surface area for gas exchange and light absorption. However, the physiological plasticity of the species allows for a wide range of leaf sizes, with minimum measurements recorded at 1.5 cm and maximum dimensions reaching up to 6 cm. This range in leaf length suggests that the plant can modulate its vegetative structure in response to varying microclimatic conditions, optimizing its resource acquisition and survival within its specific ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

6 cm

Leaf length mean:

3.75 cm

Leaf length min:

1.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anaphalis contorta is characterized by a distinct seasonal flowering pattern that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering period for this species typically commences in August and reaches its conclusion in October, though the specific timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. This concentrated window of floral development is essential for the plant's reproductive success, facilitating the necessary stages for pollination and subsequent seed production within this specific timeframe.

Flowering time :

Aug

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anaphalis contorta has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower.

Flower

1. Natural product communications

Activities

Anaphalis contorta has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Indian journal of microbiology

Antifungal

1. Indian journal of microbiology

Antioxidant

1. Indian journal of microbiology

Preparations

Anaphalis contorta has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Essential oil of flowers, hydro-distilled essential oil of dried flowers.

Essential oil of flowers

1. Natural product communications

Hydro-distilled essential oil of dried flowers

1. Natural product communications