Bupleurum marginatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bupleurum falcatum var. marginatum
• Bupleurum falcatum subsp. marginatum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Bupleurum, specifically as the species Bupleurum marginatum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. In Western Asia, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Afghanistan. Within China, it can be found spanning across both the South-Central and North-Central territories. The species also extends into the high-altitude regions of Qinghai. Finally, its range includes the expansive plateau of Tibet.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bupleurum marginatum is characterized by its presence across a broad altitudinal gradient, reflecting its ability to adapt to diverse mountain environments. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 750 m AMSL to a maximum of 4000 m AMSL, showcasing significant vertical plasticity. Within this wide distribution, the plant reaches its mean elevation at approximately 2437.5 m AMSL, suggesting that it thrives most consistently in mid-to-high altitude montane or subalpine zones. This broad elevational range allows the species to occupy various ecological niches, from lower montane slopes to high-altitude rocky terrain, where it must withstand varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures.

Elevational range max:

4000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2437.5 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

750 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Bupleurum marginatum is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it completes its life cycle over multiple years rather than within a single growing season. As a perennial, the plant establishes a persistent root system that allows it to survive through dormant periods and regrow during subsequent growing seasons. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, often leading to more robust flowering and seed production in later years compared to annual or biennial counterparts. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes recurring cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, contributing to its ability to maintain a stable presence within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bupleurum marginatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as a self-supporting, terrestrial plant, lacking any climbing or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a modest height, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, with an average plant height of approximately 0.425 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.425 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Bupleurum marginatum is characterized by significant morphological variation in leaf dimensions, reflecting its adaptive growth patterns. The leaves exhibit a substantial range in longitudinal development, with a mean leaf length of 9.75 cm, extending from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum capacity of 16 cm. This longitudinal elasticity is paired with a specialized width profile, where the leaf breadth fluctuates between a minimum of 0.3 cm and a maximum of 1.4 cm, maintaining a mean width of approximately 0.725 cm. Such variations in the leaf's surface area and aspect ratio suggest a physiological capacity to optimize light interception and gas exchange across diverse microenvironmental conditions.

Leaf length max:

16 cm

Leaf length mean:

9.75 cm

Leaf length min:

3 cm

Leaf width max:

1.4 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.725 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bupleurum marginatum culminates in the development of characteristic fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations. The fruit length typically follows a distribution ranging from a minimum of 0.35 cm to a maximum of 0.45 cm, with an average length of approximately 0.4 cm. In terms of width, the fruits are notably slender, measuring as narrow as 0.18 cm at their minimum, reaching a maximum width of 0.22 cm, and maintaining a mean width of 0.2 cm. These morphological measurements of the fruit provide critical indicators for the species' reproductive success and seed dispersal characteristics.

Fruit length max:

0.45 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.4 cm

Fruit length min:

0.35 cm

Fruit width max:

0.22 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.2 cm

Fruit width min:

0.18 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bupleurum marginatum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saikosaponin D, Saikosaponins.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Saikosaponin D

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

Saikosaponins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Bupleurum marginatum has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antipyretic, Cholagogue.

Antipyretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cholagogue

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Bupleurum marginatum has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cholecystitis, depression, pharyngitis.

Cholecystitis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Depression

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pharyngitis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology