Bupleurum smithii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Apiaceae within the genus Bupleurum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Bupleurum smithii, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across various regions of China. It can be found growing within the expansive territories of Inner Mongolia. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the China North-Central region. Its presence also extends into the diverse landscapes of China Southeast. Together, these locations define the primary natural range of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bupleurum smithii is characterized by its presence in high-altitude environments, where it occupies a significant vertical distribution within its native habitat. The species is found across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from a minimum elevation of 1,400 m AMSL to a maximum of 3,700 m AMSL. This wide span suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying montane and subalpine conditions, with its distribution centering around a mean elevation of approximately 2,516.67 m AMSL. This elevational positioning indicates that the plant is well-suited to the specific temperature regimes, UV exposure levels, and moisture availability typical of mid-to-high mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2516.66666666667 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Bupleurum smithii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived herb, it establishes itself within its habitat and undergoes a recurring cycle of vegetative growth and reproductive development. This perennial nature enables the plant to build significant biomass over time, often leading to more robust flowering displays in subsequent years compared to annual or biennial competitors. The biological rhythm of the plant involves seasonal transitions where it manages resource allocation between root storage and aerial shoot production to ensure survival during dormant periods.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bupleurum smithii is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing or vining behavior, nor does it function as an epiphyte or parasite, maintaining an independent terrestrial existence. The plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, with an average height of approximately 0.35 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.35 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bupleurum smithii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant's vegetative structure is defined by specific leaf dimensions that reflect its morphological adaptation; the leaves exhibit a mean length of 8.5 cm, with individual leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 11 cm. In terms of lateral development, the leaf width shows significant variability, maintaining a mean width of 1.55 cm, though it can narrow to a minimum of 0.3 cm and reach a maximum width of 0.7 cm. These physiological parameters regarding leaf surface area and photosynthetic method play a critical role in the plant's overall energy acquisition and growth patterns.

Leaf length max:

11 cm

Leaf length mean:

8.5 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

0.7 cm

Leaf width mean:

1.55 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bupleurum smithii is characterized by the production of small, specialized fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations. The fruit dimensions are relatively consistent, with the length typically ranging from a minimum of 0.35 cm to a maximum of 0.4 cm, resulting in an average fruit length of 0.375 cm. In terms of width, the fruits measure between a minimum of 0.2 cm and a maximum of 0.25 cm, maintaining a mean width of 0.225 cm. These precise morphological measurements of the fruit are essential indicators of the plant's reproductive output and developmental consistency.

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:

0.225 cm

Fruit width min:

0.2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bupleurum smithii 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. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Bupleurum smithii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saikosaponins.

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Saikosaponins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)