Bupleurum hamiltonii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution across several key Asian regions. Within China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central provinces to the Southeast areas. It also extends into the high-altitude terrains of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Finally, its range reaches the rugged landscapes of the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bupleurum hamiltonii is defined by its specific distribution within montane and sub-alpine environments, where it thrives across a distinct altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found inhabiting diverse terrains within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 2800 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant adapts to varying levels of solar exposure, soil moisture, and temperature fluctuations characteristic of high-altitude ecosystems. Its presence across these specific elevations suggests a specialized niche occupancy, allowing it to persist in ecological zones that balance the atmospheric pressures and climatic conditions found between these two topographical limits.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Bupleurum hamiltonii is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire developmental sequence—from germination to seed production and senescence—within a single growing season. As an annual species, it follows a rapid phenological progression driven by seasonal moisture and temperature cues, focusing its metabolic energy on quick vegetative growth followed by a decisive reproductive phase. Once the plant reaches maturity, it produces flowers and seeds to ensure the survival of the next generation before the parent organism dies at the end of its cycle. This strategy allows the species to exploit specific environmental windows, utilizing its brief period of activity to maximize seed dispersal and colonize available niches within its habitat.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Bupleurum hamiltonii is characterized by its growth form as a herb, distinguishing it from woody or arborescent species. As a terrestrial plant, it grows directly in the soil rather than functioning as an epiphyte. The structural composition of the plant is notably non-woody, lacking the lignified tissues found in shrubs or trees. While some botanical classifications may consider climbing tendencies in various species, this plant is defined by its self-supporting nature, functioning as a self-supporting herb rather than an obligatory or facultative liana or vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bupleurum hamiltonii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive period. The flowering process typically commences in July and continues through the later months of the year, reaching its conclusion in October. This window of activity allows the plant to undergo its reproductive stages during the mid-to-late summer and early autumn seasons.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bupleurum hamiltonii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Preparations

Bupleurum hamiltonii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils.

Essential oils

1. Pharmaceutical biology