Bergenia purpurascens

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bergenia purpurascens var. macrantha
• Saxifraga purpurascens var. macrantha
• Saxifraga delavayi
• Bergenia delavayi
• Bergenia purpurascens var. delavayi
• Bergenia purpurascens f. delavayi
• Bergenia purpurascens var. sessilis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Saxifragales, it is further categorized under the family Saxifragaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Bergenia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specialized distribution across several distinct mountainous regions of Asia. In China, it is primarily found within the South-Central provinces as well as the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout the East Himalaya range. Finally, it can be located within the rugged terrains of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bergenia purpurascens is characterized by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude alpine and subalpine environments, typically thriving within a specific altitudinal belt. This species occupies a distinct ecological niche found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 2700 m AMSL to a maximum of 4800 m AMSL. Within this vast vertical distribution, the plant is adapted to the unique climatic pressures of the montane and alpine zones, including intense solar radiation, fluctuating temperatures, and potentially thin, rocky soils. Its presence across such a significant elevational gradient suggests a robust ability to withstand the varying physiological stresses associated with high-mountain ecosystems, from the more sheltered subalpine slopes to the extreme, wind-exposed habitats found near its upper limit of 4800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

4800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2700 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Bergenia purpurascens is characterized by its growth form as a perennial herb, typically exhibiting a non-woody structure. As a terrestrial plant, it grows directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte. While it does not possess the climbing mechanisms found in vines, its structural habit is categorized as self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its posture upright or spreading across the ground without the need for external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bergenia purpurascens has 4 reported plant parts identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, rhizome, stem.

Leaf

1. Natural product research
2. BMC genomics

Root

1. BMC genomics
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rhizome

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. BMC genomics

Chemicals

Bergenia purpurascens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bergenin, Cuscutin, Gallic acid, arbutin.

bergenin

1. Scientific data
2. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
3. BMC genomics

Cuscutin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gallic acid

1. BMC genomics

arbutin

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Activities

Bergenia purpurascens has 5 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimelanogenic, Antioxidant, Antitussive, Sunscreen.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Antimelanogenic

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Antioxidant

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Antitussive

1. Frontiers in plant science

Sunscreen

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Bergenia purpurascens has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include colitis, diuretic, melanogenesis, pigmentation, salt stress.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations