Asarum insigne

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Asarum gracilipes
• Asarum longipedunculatum

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 Piperales, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Asarum, specifically the species Asarum insigne.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific environmental regions of China. Its documented geographical distribution is concentrated in the Southeast portion of the country. Within these subtropical landscapes, the species thrives in its native habitat. Consequently, researchers focusing on this medicinal flora look toward Southeast China for collection. This localized presence defines the natural range for Asarum insigne.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Asarum insigne is characterized by a specific altitudinal distribution that defines its preferred habitat within its native range. This species thrives within a defined elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 450 m AMSL. The species reaches its upper environmental limit at a maximum elevation of 700 m AMSL, indicating a preference for relatively low to mid-elevation terrain. Across its established populations, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 575 m AMSL, a metric that reflects its ecological niche and the specific topographic conditions required for its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

575 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

450 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Asarum insigne is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a long-lived herbaceous species, it establishes itself within its ecological niche and maintains continuous vegetative growth, allowing it to develop robust rhizomatous systems that facilitate survival through dormant periods. This perennial nature enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, supporting its reproductive efforts and structural resilience across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Asarum insigne is characterized by its growth form as a herb, specifically functioning as a non-woody herb. It exhibits a climbing habit, specifically functioning as a self-supporting climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Asarum insigne has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ALPHA-PINENE, BETA-PINENE, BORNYL ACETATE, Borneol, CAMPHENE.

ALPHA-PINENE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

BETA-PINENE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

BORNYL ACETATE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Borneol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

CAMPHENE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Elemicin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Eucalyptol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Ledene

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Myristicin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Patchouli alcohol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Preparations

Asarum insigne has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include volatile oil.

Volatile oil

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials