Berberis gracilipes

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within a specific region of East Asia. Its documented geographical distribution is concentrated in the South-Central part of China. Within this territory, it thrives in local habitats that support its growth requirements. Because its range is relatively limited, it is considered an endemic species to this specific area. Therefore, understanding its presence in South-Central China is essential for its conservation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Berberis gracilipes is characterized by its specific vertical distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species thrives across a broad elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 700 m AMSL to a maximum peak of 2400 m AMSL. Within this range, the plant finds its optimal environmental conditions around a mean elevation of 1550 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-to-high altitude habitats where specific temperature and moisture regimes are maintained. This distribution pattern indicates its adaptation to various sub-alpine or montane forest zones, allowing it to colonize diverse topographic positions within its established altitudinal belt.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1550 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Berberis gracilipes is characterized by its distinct architectural form, typically presenting as a slender, deciduous shrub. The plant exhibits a relatively modest stature, with a plant height mean of approximately 1 m. Its stems are woody, often possessing a somewhat zigzag growth pattern, and are armed with sharp, spine-tipped branches that serve as a defensive mechanism. The leaves are simple, alternate, and typically elliptic to lanceolate in shape, often featuring serrated margins. The inflorescence is composed of small, delicate flowers that emerge from the axils, while the fruit develops into small, fleshy berries that are characteristic of the genus. The overall structure is fine and graceful, consistent with its specific epithet.

Plant height mean:

1 m

Physiology

The physiological morphology of Berberis gracilipes is characterized by distinct leaf dimensions that reflect its vegetative development and adaptation strategies. The foliar structure exhibits significant variability in longitudinal growth, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 8 cm to a maximum of 14.5 cm, maintaining an average length of 11.25 cm. This longitudinal development is complemented by a corresponding lateral breadth, where leaf widths vary from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 7.3 cm. These morphological parameters indicate a dynamic range in surface area, which plays a crucial role in the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration regulation within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

14.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

11.25 cm

Leaf length min:

8 cm

Leaf width max:

7.3 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Berberis gracilipes is characterized by the development of distinctive inflorescences and the subsequent production of fleshy fruits. The reproductive structures emerge in elongated inflorescences, which typically vary in length ranging from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.35 m. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations; these fruits possess a minimum width of 0.5 cm and can reach a maximum width of 0.8 cm, with an overall mean fruit width of approximately 0.65 cm. These morphological traits in the flowering and fruiting stages are essential indicators of the plant's reproductive success and developmental cycles.

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.65 cm

Fruit width min:

0.5 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.35 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.25 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Berberis gracilipes has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Columbamine, Jatrorrhizine, Oxyberberine, Palmatine, berberine.

Columbamine

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Jatrorrhizine

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Oxyberberine

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Palmatine

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berberine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Berberis gracilipes has 134 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (+)-Inotropic, Abortifacient, Adrenocorticotrophic, Adrenolytic, Amebicide.

(+)-Inotropic

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

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Adrenocorticotrophic

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Adrenolytic

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Amebicide

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

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Anesthetic

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Antiacetylcholinesterase

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacne

1. Dr. Duke

Antiadrenergic

1. Dr. Duke