smooth angelica

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• smooth angelica

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Angelica nuristanica

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic placement identifies it under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the Apiaceae family within the genus Angelica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several high-altitude regions. In Western Asia, it can be found growing within the borders of Afghanistan. Its range extends into China, specifically inhabiting the plateau of Tibet. Within the Indian Subcontinent, the species is located in Pakistan. Additionally, the plant is distributed throughout the West Himalaya region of the Indian Subcontinent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Angelica glauca is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species is primarily distributed across significant altitudinal gradients, maintaining a presence in rugged terrain that dictates its growth patterns and physiological requirements. Its ecological distribution is characterized by an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 2400 m AMSL, positioning it within subalpine or alpine zones. The species thrives most consistently around a mean elevation of 1400 m AMSL, though it can ascend to a maximum elevational range of 3000 m AMSL. This distribution suggests an ability to tolerate the varying climatic pressures, such as lower temperatures and increased UV exposure, associated with high-mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Angelica glauca is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it does not complete its life cycle in a single year like an annual or two years like a biennial, but rather establishes a long-term presence in its habitat. This lifecycle enables the plant to develop robust root systems that store energy, facilitating regrowth and survival through periods of dormancy. Depending on environmental conditions and resource availability, its developmental stages may exhibit variable patterns, but its fundamental biological strategy relies on the continuous, multi-year survival of the individual to ensure successful reproduction and colonization within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Angelica glauca is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb or forb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. This plant is a self-supporting organism, functioning as a self-supporting species rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine. It maintains an independent life cycle, categorized as an independent species without parasitic tendencies. Regarding its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is primarily terrestrial, lacking the characteristics of an epiphyte or a strictly aquatic or semiaquatic organism.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Angelica glauca is characterized by a specific flowering season and distinct seed morphology. The plant enters its flowering phase in July and continues through to October, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a highly consistent mass; the seed mass is measured at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 0.00572 g, indicating a very uniform seed size across the reproductive cycle.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Oct

Seed mass mean:

0.00572 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Angelica glauca has 3 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf, stem.

Root

1. Planta medica
2. International journal of molecular sciences
3. Fitoterapia

Leaf

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Stem

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Chemicals

Angelica glauca has 20 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Tannins, (Z)-Ligustilide, 6,7-DIMETHOXYCOUMARIN, BETA-PHELLANDRENE.

Flavonoids

1. Folia microbiologica
2. Fitoterapia

Tannins

1. Folia microbiologica
2. Fitoterapia

(Z)-Ligustilide

1. Planta medica

6,7-DIMETHOXYCOUMARIN

1. Folia microbiologica

BETA-PHELLANDRENE

1. Planta medica

Carotenoid

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Flavonoid

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Glycosides

1. Folia microbiologica

LIMONENE

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Ligustilide

1. Fitoterapia

Activities

Angelica glauca has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant.

Antibacterial

1. Folia microbiologica

Antioxidant

1. Fitoterapia

Diaphoretic

1. Current medicinal chemistry

Diuretic

1. Current medicinal chemistry

Expectorant

1. Current medicinal chemistry

Medicinal Uses

Angelica glauca has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, breast cancer, bronchitis, cold, gastric ulcer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations