Beesia calthifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several key regions of Asia. In China, its presence is documented across the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be found thriving within the East Himalaya region. Additionally, its range extends into Indo-China, specifically within the borders of Myanmar. Together, these locations highlight the broad environmental adaptability of Beesia calthiifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Beesia calthiifolia is defined by its adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a broad vertical niche across diverse mountainous terrains. This species thrives within a significant altitudinal gradient, demonstrating remarkable resilience to varying climatic conditions found at different heights. It is most commonly encountered at a mean elevation of approximately 2450 m AMSL, though its ecological footprint extends from lower montane zones starting at 1400 m AMSL up to extreme alpine reaches peaking at 4400 m AMSL. This wide elevational distribution suggests an ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures and varying levels of atmospheric pressure, allowing it to persist in both subalpine scrublands and higher-altitude rocky habitats.

Elevational range max:

4400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1400 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Beesia calthiifolia is characterized by its growth form as a herb, manifesting as a non-woody plant. It functions as a self-supporting climber, exhibiting a structural habit that allows it to ascend without the need for external support systems.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bauhinia calthifolia is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions in its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic capacity and environmental adaptation. The leaves exhibit significant variability in size, with a mean leaf length of 7 cm and a minimum recorded length of 4.5 cm, reaching a maximum elongation of 9.5 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a substantial range in lateral expansion, where the leaf width fluctuates from a minimum of 5.5 cm to a mean of 10.75 cm, peaking at a maximum width of 16 cm. These expansive dimensions suggest a physiological structure optimized for light interception, as the wide leaf surface area facilitates efficient gas exchange and energy conversion within its specific ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

9.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

7 cm

Leaf length min:

4.5 cm

Leaf width max:

16 cm

Leaf width mean:

10.75 cm

Leaf width min:

5.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Beesia calthiifolia is characterized by the development of distinct fruits that exhibit significant morphological variation in their dimensions. The fruit size fluctuates considerably, with recorded lengths ranging from a minimum of 11 cm to a mean measurement of 6.35 cm, although specific observations have noted instances as small as 1.7 cm. In terms of width, the fruits demonstrate a range from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 4 cm, maintaining an average width of 3.5 cm. This variability in fruit length and width serves as a critical component of its reproductive output and dispersal mechanism.

Fruit length max:

1.7 cm

Fruit length mean:

6.35 cm

Fruit length min:

11 cm

Fruit width max:

4 cm

Fruit width mean:

3.5 cm

Fruit width min:

3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Beesia calthifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Beesia calthifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include rhizomes.

Rhizomes

1. Journal of natural products