Biebersteinia heterostemon

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Biebersteinia heterostemon, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Biebersteiniaceae and is situated within the genus Biebersteinia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across various regions of China. It can be found growing in the landscapes of China South-Central and China North-Central. Furthermore, its presence extends into the northern reaches of Inner Mongolia. The species is also documented within the high-altitude terrains of Qinghai. Finally, it inhabits the unique environments of Tibet, completing its regional range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Biebersteinia heterostemon is characterized by its distribution across significant altitudinal gradients, allowing it to inhabit diverse montane environments. It is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3200 m AMSL, reflecting a broad adaptability to varying mountain climates. The plant typically thrives at a mean elevation of approximately 2100 m AMSL, a zone that likely represents its optimal ecological niche where temperature and moisture levels are most favorable for its growth and reproductive cycles.

Elevational range max:

3200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Biebersteinia heterostemon is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire developmental process—from seed germination to flowering and seed production—within a single growing season. As an annual species, it follows a rapid phenological progression adapted to its specific environmental conditions, focusing its energy on quick vegetative growth followed by a concentrated reproductive phase. This seasonal strategy ensures that the plant produces a sufficient seed bank to guarantee the survival of the next generation before the onset of unfavorable environmental conditions.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Biebersteinia heterostemon is characterized by its herbaceous growth form, manifesting as a non-woody herb. As a climber, the plant exhibits a self-supporting habit, allowing it to navigate its environment through its specialized vegetative structure.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Biebersteinia heterostemon has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Galegine.

Galegine

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

Preparations

Biebersteinia heterostemon has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract.

Ethanol extract

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