Acicular Thorowax

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Acicular Thorowax

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bupleurum falcatum var. bicaule

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. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales, falling into the family Apiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Bupleurum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions within the vast territory of Siberia. It can be found growing in the mountainous areas of the Altai region. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented throughout the Republic of Buryatia. The species also occupies significant portions of the Transbaikal territory, specifically around Chita. Finally, the plant is distributed across the Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk regions, completing its extensive Siberian range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bupleurum bicaule is defined by its specialization in arid and semi-arid environments, where it typically thrives within desert and steppe habitats. This species is adapted to high-altitude conditions, occupying a specific vertical niche characterized by significant elevation. It is most commonly found at a mean elevation of 2900 m AMSL, though its distribution spans a broad altitudinal gradient ranging from a minimum of 2300 m AMSL to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. These parameters suggest the plant is well-suited to the extreme temperature fluctuations and specific soil compositions found in high-elevation steppe ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2300 m AMSL

Habitat :

desert, steppe

Life history

The life history of Bupleurum bicaule is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant undergoes a cyclic development that involves establishing a robust root system to support its survival through varying seasonal shifts. Its growth pattern follows a repetitive cycle of vegetative expansion and reproductive phases, where it invests energy into both maintaining its existing structure and producing seeds to ensure future generations. This perennial nature provides the plant with a competitive advantage in its habitat, as it can accumulate resources over several years to support flowering and seed production, rather than relying on a single season of growth as seen in annual or biennial species.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bupleurum bicaule is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This self-supporting plant lacks any climbing or liana-like tendencies, maintaining a stable, upright structure. It is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial habitat. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant is relatively diminutive, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.02 m to a maximum of 0.35 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.35 m

Plant height min:

0.02 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bupleurum bicaule is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many temperate herbaceous plants that optimizes carbon fixation under moderate light and temperature conditions. Its foliar morphology plays a significant role in its physiological resource management, featuring narrow, linear leaves with a mean length of 1.5 cm, ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 2 cm. The leaf width is similarly constrained, maintaining a mean of 0.4 cm, with measurements fluctuating between a minimum of 0.3 cm and a maximum of 0.5 cm. This specific leaf architecture, characterized by a high length-to-width ratio, likely influences the plant's transpiration rates and gas exchange efficiency within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

2 cm

Leaf length mean:

1.5 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf width max:

0.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.4 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bupleurum bicaule is characterized by a specific flowering window and the development of small, distinct fruits. The flowering period typically begins in July and concludes in August, though the timing may remain variable depending on environmental conditions. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits with specific morphological dimensions. These fruits exhibit a length that ranges from a minimum of 0.35 cm to a maximum of 0.4 cm, with an average length of approximately 0.375 cm. In terms of width, the fruits are even more compact, measuring between a minimum of 0.18 cm and a maximum of 0.25 cm, resulting in a mean width of 0.215 cm.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

0.4 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.375 cm

Fruit length min:

0.35 cm

Fruit width max:

0.25 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.215 cm

Fruit width min:

0.18 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bupleurum bicaule has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saikosaponin D.

Saikosaponin D

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials