Berberis sheridaniana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is specifically found within a restricted geographical range. Its occurrence is limited to the South-Central region of China. Within this territory, it thrives in particular ecological niches suitable for its growth. Because its distribution is so localized, it is considered an endemic species to this area. Consequently, understanding its habitat in South-Central China is vital for its conservation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Berberis sheridaniana is defined by its specific distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found in high-altitude environments, thriving within a vertical range that begins at a minimum elevation of 1200 m AMSL. The plant reaches its upper ecological limit at a maximum elevation of 2600 m AMSL, indicating an ability to withstand the cooler temperatures and varying atmospheric pressures characteristic of mid-to-high mountain zones. On average, the species maintains its presence at a mean elevation of 1900 m AMSL, suggesting that its optimal growing conditions and habitat preferences are centered around this middle-altitude belt.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Berberis sheridaniana is characterized by a variable growth habit where the plant height fluctuates significantly depending on environmental conditions and developmental stage. The stature of the species ranges from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 3 m, with an average plant height recorded at 1.75 m. This variation in height reflects the plant's structural capacity to adapt its physical dimensions within its natural habitat.

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

1.75 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Physiology

The physiological profile of Berberis sheridaniana is characterized by significant morphological variability in its foliar structures, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic capacity and metabolic regulation. The leaves exhibit a diverse range of dimensions, with a mean leaf length of 26.5 cm, though individual specimens fluctuate between a minimum of 17 cm and a maximum of 36 cm. This longitudinal variation is accompanied by a distinct width gradient, where leaf widths range from a minimum of 8 cm to a maximum of 14 cm. These expansive leaf dimensions suggest an optimized surface area for light interception and gas exchange, supporting the plant's energy requirements and secondary metabolite production. Such structural plasticity in leaf size and shape likely reflects physiological adaptations to varying environmental light intensities and moisture availability within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

36 cm

Leaf length mean:

26.5 cm

Leaf length min:

17 cm

Leaf width max:

14 cm

Leaf width min:

8 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Berberis sheridaniana is characterized by the development of inflorescences that vary in length from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.18 m. Following pollination, the plant produces fleshy fruits with specific dimensional characteristics; the fruit length typically ranges from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1 cm, with an average length of 0.9 cm. The width of these fruits also shows significant variation, measuring as narrow as 0.4 cm at the minimum and reaching a maximum width of 0.7 cm, resulting in a mean fruit width of 0.55 cm.

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.9 cm

Fruit length min:

0.8 cm

Fruit width max:

0.7 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.55 cm

Fruit width min:

0.4 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.18 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.05 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

Jatrorrhizine

1. Dr. Duke

Palmatine

1. Dr. Duke

berberine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Berberis sheridaniana 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

1. Dr. Duke

Adrenocorticotrophic

1. Dr. Duke

Adrenolytic

1. Dr. Duke

Amebicide

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacetylcholinesterase

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacne

1. Dr. Duke

Antiadrenergic

1. Dr. Duke