Alpine Balanophora

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Alpine Balanophora
• Involucrate Balanophora

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Balania cathcartii
• Balania involucrata
• Balanophora involucrata var. cathcartii
• Balanophora involucrata var. gracilis
• Bivolva involucrata
• Bivolva cathcartii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Santalales. Finally, it is a member of the family Balanophoraceae, falling under the genus Balanophora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range spanning across several distinct regions of Asia. In China, its presence is documented across the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Additionally, the species can be found growing within the high-altitude terrain of Tibet. Its distribution also extends beyond China into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the East Himalaya region. Consequently, these locations highlight the diverse ecological niches inhabited by this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Balanophora involucrata is defined by its specialized habitat requirements within high-altitude montane environments. This species thrives within a specific altitudinal niche, occupying a distinct vertical belt that begins at an elevation of 2300 m AMSL and extends upward to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Such a distribution suggests an adaptation to the unique microclimates, temperature fluctuations, and atmospheric conditions characteristic of high-elevation ecosystems, where it likely plays a role in the stability of its specific mountain terrain.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2300 m AMSL

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Balanophora involucrata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phloridzin, quercitrin.

Phloridzin

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

quercitrin

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Activities

Balanophora involucrata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Conditions

Balanophora involucrata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include influenza viruses.

Influenza viruses

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Preparations

Balanophora involucrata has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Chinese medicine extracts.

Chinese medicine extracts

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)