Mount Yushan Pearly Everlasting

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Mount Yushan Pearly Everlasting

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anaphalis contorta f. morrisonicola
• Anaphalis contorta var. morrisonicola
• Anaphalis margaritacea subsp. morrisonicola
• Anaphalis buisanensis

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 specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Anaphalis, which includes the species Anaphalis morrisonicola.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across parts of East and Southeast Asia. Within the region of Eastern Asia, its presence is documented in Taiwan. Moving southward into the Malesia region, the species is also found in the Philippines. These locations represent the known natural habitats where the plant can be observed growing. Consequently, its range is restricted to these particular island territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Anaphalis morrisonicola is defined by its specialization within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche across varying mountain profiles. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, beginning at a minimum altitude of 1600 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Throughout its distribution, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 2550 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the climatic conditions typically found in subalpine or alpine zones. This altitudinal positioning indicates an adaptation to the unique temperature gradients, UV exposure levels, and moisture regimes characteristic of these high-elevation ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2550 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1600 m AMSL

Physiology

The physiology of Anaphalis morrisonicola is characterized by specific morphological dimensions of its foliage that reflect its adaptive growth patterns. The leaves exhibit a notable range in size, with a mean leaf length of 2.5 cm, though individual specimens fluctuate between a minimum length of 1.5 cm and a maximum length of 3.5 cm. This longitudinal variability is accompanied by a distinct narrowness in leaf structure, as evidenced by a leaf width that ranges from a minimum of 0.2 cm to a maximum of 0.4 cm. These precise measurements in leaf length and width suggest a specialized surface-area-to-volume ratio, which likely plays a critical role in the plant's metabolic processes, transpiration rates, and overall resource management within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

3.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

2.5 cm

Leaf length min:

1.5 cm

Leaf width max:

0.4 cm

Leaf width min:

0.2 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anaphalis morrisonicola is characterized by the production of specialized fruit structures that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length within the species shows a narrow range of variation, with a minimum measurement of 0.05 cm and a maximum measurement of 0.07 cm. Based on these observations, the average fruit length is recorded at a mean of 0.06 cm. These minute dimensions are critical diagnostic features in the plant's reproductive cycle and seed dispersal mechanisms.

Fruit length max:

0.07 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.06 cm

Fruit length min:

0.05 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Anaphalis morrisonicola has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include HELENALIN.

HELENALIN

1. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences