Berberis caroli

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Berberis caroli var. hoanghensis
• Berberis integerrima var. stenophylla
• Berberis jamesiana var. saepium
• Berberis haoi
• Berberis vernae

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Berberis carolii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ranunculales and the family Berberidaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Berberis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions within China. It can be found growing in the South-Central part of the country. Additionally, its range extends northward into the Inner Mongolia region. The species is also documented to inhabit China North-Central areas. Finally, its geographical presence includes the high-altitude territory of Qinghai.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Berberis caroli is defined by its specific distribution across high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species thrives within a significant elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 1800 m AMSL to a maximum peak of 3850 m AMSL. The plant is most frequently encountered at a mean elevation of approximately 2412.5 m AMSL, a range that dictates its adaptation to the varying temperature regimes, UV exposure, and moisture availability characteristic of mid-to-high mountain ecosystems. Such an altitudinal spread suggests a robust capacity to tolerate the physiological stresses associated with subalpine transitions and fluctuating climatic conditions found within these specific topographical zones.

Elevational range max:

3850 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2412.5 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1800 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Berberis carolii is characterized by a distinct growth habit with a plant height that typically reaches a mean of 1 m, though individual specimens can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. The stature of the plant ranges from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1.5 m.

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Berberis caroli are notably defined by the morphological dimensions of its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic capacity and water regulation. The leaves exhibit a significant range in size, with a mean leaf length of 2.3 cm, though they can reach a maximum length of 5 cm, while the minimum length is recorded at 1 cm. This variability in length is accompanied by distinct width parameters, where the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 0.3 cm and a maximum of 1 cm, maintaining a mean width of 0.45 cm. These specific measurements of leaf surface area influence the plant's gas exchange processes and its ability to manage transpiration within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length mean:

2.3 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf width max:

1 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.45 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Berberis caroli is characterized by its distinct inflorescence and fruit morphology. The flowering process involves an inflorescence that typically ranges in length from a minimum of 0.02 m to a maximum of 0.04 m. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fleshy fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations. The fruit length is characterized by a mean measurement of 0.5 cm, with individual fruits measuring as short as 0.4 cm and reaching a maximum length of 0.6 cm. Similarly, the fruit width varies, maintaining a mean of 0.225 cm, with a minimum width of 0.2 cm and a maximum width of 0.25 cm.

Fruit length max:

0.6 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.5 cm

Fruit length min:

0.4 cm

Fruit width max:

0.25 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.225 cm

Fruit width min:

0.2 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.04 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.02 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Berberis caroli has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Jatrorrhizine, Magnoflorine, Palmatine.

Jatrorrhizine

1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin
2. Frontiers in pharmacology

Magnoflorine

1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

Palmatine

1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

Activities

Berberis caroli has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antiprotozoal, Hypolipidemic.

Anticancer

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Antiprotozoal

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Hypolipidemic

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Preparations

Berberis caroli has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dried barks.

Dried barks

1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin