Calligonum polygonoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calligonum intertextum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Calligonum polygonoides, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Caryophyllales and further categorized into the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Calligonum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several key regions of Western Asia and the Caucasus. In the Caucasus region, it can be found specifically within the Transcaucasus area. Its presence extends through much of Western Asia, including the territories of Iran and Iraq. Furthermore, the species is distributed across the Levant, covering the Lebanon-Syria region. Finally, its geographical range reaches as far south as Palestine.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calligonum polygonoides is characterized by its specialized adaptation to arid and semi-arid landscapes, specifically thriving within habitats consisting of hills and sandy terrains. As a pioneer species in these environments, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing shifting sands and preventing desertification. The species is typically found across a specific altitudinal gradient, with an average elevational range centered around 700 m AMSL. This positioning within sandy hill ecosystems allows it to occupy niches where moisture is scarce and soil stability is minimal, making it a vital component of the desert flora.

Elevational range mean:

700 m AMSL

Habitat :

hills, sand

Life history

The life history of Calligonum polygonoides is characterized by its classification as a nanophanerophyte, a life form that enables it to thrive in the harsh, arid conditions of sandy deserts. As a perennial species, it maintains a persistent presence in its ecosystem through a robust developmental strategy adapted to extreme moisture fluctuations and high solar radiation. Its growth pattern involves woody stems that remain relatively low to the ground yet possess enough structural height to elevate reproductive organs above the immediate sand surface. The plant's lifecycle is closely tied to its ability to stabilize shifting substrates, utilizing its specialized physiological adaptations to endure periods of dormancy during intense droughts. Through its perennial nature, it establishes a long-term presence, undergoing seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and flowering that are synchronized with the limited availability of water in its desert habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Calligonum polygonoides is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, typically reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 1.5 m. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit any parasitic behavior, maintaining a free-living life cycle. The structure is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary rigidity for its shrubby habit within its natural habitat.

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Calligonum polygonoides 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Chemicals

Calligonum polygonoides has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, Astragalin, Dehydrodicatechin A, Flavonoids, Gallic acid.

(+)-catechin

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Astragalin

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Dehydrodicatechin A

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Flavonoids

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Gallic acid

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Kaempferol 3-O-glucuronide

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Quercetin 3-o-glucopyranoside

1. Pharmaceutical biology

TAXIFOLIN

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Terpene

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

kaempferol

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Activities

Calligonum polygonoides has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Medicinal Uses

Calligonum polygonoides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations