Bistorta vivipara
Alpine bistort
Bistorta vivipara, commonly known as Viviparous Bistort, is a unique perennial herb native to alpine and subalpine regions. Distinguished by its remarkable ability to produce plantlets directly on its flower stalks, this resilient species thrives in moist, rocky habitats, playing a vital role in high-altitude mountain ecosystems worldwide.
- Scientific name: Bistorta vivipara
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Bistorta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bistorta | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Bistorta vivipara, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In German, it is called Knöllchen-Knöterich, while in Finnish, it is referred to as nurmitatar. The Dutch name for this species is knolduizendknoop, and in Norwegian Nynorsk, it is known as Harerug. Additionally, in Polish, it is commonly called Rdest żyworodny.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Knöllchen-Knöterich | Wikidata |
| fi | nurmitatar | Wikidata |
| nl | knolduizendknoop | Wikidata |
| nn | Harerug | Wikidata |
| pl | Rdest żyworodny | Wikidata |
| se | Šilljojuopmu | Wikidata |
| sv | Ormrot | Wikidata |
| uk | Гірчак живорідний | Wikidata |
| nb | Harerug | Wikidata |
| zh | 珠芽蓼 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern reaches of Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland regions of Denmark. Its presence extends further north into the landscapes of Finland and Iceland. Additionally, the species is documented within the territories of Great Britain. Finally, its range includes the remote islands of Føroyar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Bistorta vivipara, exhibits a specialized morphology characterized by its distinct vegetative and reproductive structures. The above-ground portion consists of upright stems and leaves that support the flowering spikes. Below the surface, the plant relies on complex root tissues for nutrient uptake, which are primarily connected to an extensive network of underground rhizomes. This creeping rhizome allows the species to spread vegetatively, ensuring survival in harsh alpine environments. In addition to vegetative growth, the plant produces small fruits that facilitate dispersal and the continuation of its life cycle.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems and leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root tissues | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Bistorta vivipara has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include benzopyrans, flavonoids, irigenin, isoflavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| benzopyrans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bistorta vivipara has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bistorta vivipara has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, antiviral, atrial fibrillation.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| atrial fibrillation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |