Atraphaxis pyrifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Atraphaxis, and species name, pyrifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the vast regions of Central Asia. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Kazakhstan. Its presence is also documented throughout the territories of Kirgizstan and Tadzhikistan. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the landscapes of Uzbekistan. Finally, its geographical range includes parts of Western Asia, specifically within Afghanistan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Atraphaxis pyrifolia is characterized by its preference for high-altitude environments, specifically thriving within mountainous regions and stony places. This species occupies a broad vertical distribution, with an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 730 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2700 m AMSL. Throughout its natural range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1115 m AMSL, positioning it within diverse montane niches where rocky substrates provide its primary habitat.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1115 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

730 m AMSL

Habitat :

mountains, stony places

Morphology

The morphology of Atraphaxis pyrifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a shrub. The plant exhibits a structural height that typically reaches a mean of 1 m, with individual specimens ranging from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum height of 2 m.

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Atraphaxis pyrifolia is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions of its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic capacity and environmental adaptation. The leaves exhibit a specific range of size variations, with a minimum leaf length of 1.5 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 2.5 cm, resulting in a calculated mean leaf length of 2 cm. Complementing these longitudinal measurements, the leaf width varies from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 1.3 cm. These specific leaf dimensions contribute to the plant's overall surface area, influencing its transpiration rates and its ability to manage light interception within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

2.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

2 cm

Leaf length min:

1.5 cm

Leaf width max:

1.3 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Atraphaxis pyrifolia is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically commences in May, marking the beginning of its period of active bloom. This reproductive phase continues through the late spring and early summer months, reaching its conclusion in June. Consequently, the plant's ability to produce flowers and facilitate subsequent seed development is concentrated within this relatively brief timeframe of approximately two months.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Atraphaxis pyrifolia has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Atraphaxis pyrifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include NONACOSANE.

NONACOSANE

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Atraphaxis pyrifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Atraphaxis pyrifolia has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antioxidant, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, hypoglycemic, wound healing.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypertension

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypoglycemic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Wound healing

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Atraphaxis pyrifolia has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Methanolic Extracts, hexane extract, methanolic extract.

Methanolic extracts

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Hexane extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Methanolic extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)