Calendula tripterocarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calendula aegyptiaca subsp. tripterocarpa
• Calendula platycarpa
• Calendula thapsiaecarpa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Calendula, which includes the species Calendula tripterocarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. Within Southwestern Europe, its presence is specifically noted in Spain. The species also extends across Northern Africa, where it can be found in Algeria. Furthermore, its range includes the territories of Libya and Morocco. Finally, its distribution reaches as far east as Egypt.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calendula tripterocarpa is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that allows it to inhabit a diverse range of topographical landscapes. This species thrives across a vertical gradient starting from sea level (0 m AMSL) and extending up to an elevation of 1200 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying environmental pressures, including shifts in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability associated with increasing altitude. By occupying these varied niches, from coastal or lowland regions to mid-elevation montane zones, the plant is able to interface with a wide array of soil compositions and microclimates within its natural habitat.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Calendula tripterocarpa is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire biological development—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. As a therophyte, it follows a specialized survival strategy where the plant survives the unfavorable seasons primarily in the form of seeds, rather than through persistent vegetative structures or dormant buds. This life form allows the species to rapidly colonize available habitats during favorable environmental conditions, utilizing its ephemeral growth to maximize reproductive output before the onset of seasonal stress.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Calendula tripterocarpa is characterized by its growth as a non-woody herb, specifically functioning as a forb. The plant exhibits a prostrate shoot orientation and is a self-supporting organism that does not require climbing structures. It grows in terrestrial environments, acting as an independent species rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, it is a diminutive plant, reaching a minimum height of 0.05 m and a maximum height of 0.15 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.15 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Shoot orientation :

prostrate

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Calendula tripterocarpa is characterized by specific vegetative structures that facilitate its metabolic and growth processes. The plant exhibits a leaf form that is distinctly elliptic, a morphology that optimizes surface area for light interception and gas exchange during photosynthesis. The arrangement of these leaves follows an alternate pattern along the stem, a spatial configuration that minimizes self-shading and ensures efficient access to solar radiation for energy production. This structural organization of the foliage supports the plant's overall resource acquisition and developmental efficiency.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

elliptic

Reproduction

The reproduction of Calendula tripterocarpa is characterized by a flowering cycle that typically begins in April, though the timing can be variable across different seasons. The plant produces yellow flowers that are relatively small in scale, with individual flower lengths ranging from 0.3 cm to 0.35 cm and widths spanning between 0.7 cm and 1 cm. Following the pollination period, the plant develops fruits categorized as achenes. These fruits are notable for being indehiscent, meaning they do not automatically open at maturity to release their seeds, which influences the plant's method of seed dispersal.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

yellow

Flower length max:

0.35 cm

Flower length min:

0.3 cm

Flower width max:

1 cm

Flower width min:

0.7 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit type :

achene

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Calendula tripterocarpa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoid, Malondialdehyde, NI, RUTIN, quercitrin.

Carotenoid

1. International journal of phytoremediation

Malondialdehyde

1. International journal of phytoremediation

NI

1. International journal of phytoremediation

RUTIN

1. Heliyon

quercitrin

1. Heliyon

Activities

Calendula tripterocarpa has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antitumor.

Antimicrobial

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society

Antitumor

1. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society