Berberis polyantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Berberis prattii var. laxipendula

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, it is further organized into the family Berberidaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Berberis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within specific mountainous regions of East Asia. Its native range includes the South-Central part of China, where it thrives in particular ecological niches. Additionally, the species is widely distributed across the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. These geographical locations define the natural habitat where the plant can be sourced for medicinal purposes. Consequently, its distribution is relatively concentrated within these two key Chinese territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Berberis polyantha is defined by its specialization within high-altitude montane ecosystems, where it occupies a specific vertical niche. This species is primarily distributed across mid-to-high elevation gradients, maintaining a minimum presence at 2000 m AMSL. Its ecological distribution peaks in alpine or sub-alpine zones, reaching a maximum elevation of 3600 m AMSL. On average, the species thrives at a mean elevation of 2800 m AMSL, a range that dictates the climatic conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and moisture availability, to which the plant is biologically adapted.

Elevational range max:

3600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Berberis polyantha is characterized by its distinct woody structure and significant vertical growth. The plant exhibits a woody habit, forming a sturdy framework that supports its development. In terms of stature, the species displays considerable variation in height, ranging from a minimum of 1.5 m to a maximum of 4.5 m, with an average plant height of approximately 3 m.

Plant height max:

4.5 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Plant height min:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Berberis polyantha is characterized by distinct morphological variations in its foliar structures, which play a critical role in its metabolic processes and surface area regulation. The leaves exhibit a significant range in dimensions, with a mean leaf length of 2.65 cm, though individual specimens can vary from a minimum length of 0.8 cm to a maximum length of 4.5 cm. This longitudinal variability is accompanied by specific width constraints, where leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 0.5 cm and a maximum of 1.7 cm. These dimensional parameters suggest a physiological adaptation that allows the plant to optimize light interception and gas exchange within its specific environmental niche, utilizing its varying leaf proportions to manage transpiration and photosynthetic efficiency.

Leaf length max:

4.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

2.65 cm

Leaf length min:

0.8 cm

Leaf width max:

1.7 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Berberis polyantha is characterized by its distinct flowering and fruiting structures. The plant produces inflorescences that vary in length, ranging from a minimum of 0.06 m to a maximum of 0.14 m. Following pollination, the development of the fruit is marked by specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length fluctuates between a minimum of 0.7 cm and a maximum of 0.8 cm, with an average length recorded at 0.75 cm. Concurrently, the fruit width demonstrates a range from 0.3 cm to a maximum of 0.4 cm, maintaining a mean width of 0.35 cm.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.75 cm

Fruit length min:

0.7 cm

Fruit width max:

0.4 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.35 cm

Fruit width min:

0.3 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.14 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.06 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Berberis polyantha 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 root.

Root

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Berberis polyantha has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Syringaresinol, 8-Oxypalmatine, Corydaldine, Methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate, Noroxyhydrastinine.

(+)-Syringaresinol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

8-Oxypalmatine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Corydaldine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Noroxyhydrastinine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Rugosinone

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Conditions

Berberis polyantha has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Preparations

Berberis polyantha has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract, methanol extract of the roots.

Methanol extract

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Methanol extract of the roots

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica