Caragana stenophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Caragana pygmaea var. pallasiana
• Caragana stenophylla var. parviflora
• Caragana stenophylla var. sericea

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Caragana stenophylla, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling into the order Fabales. Ultimately, it is a member of the Fabaceae family within the genus Caragana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. In the Russian territory of Siberia, its presence is specifically noted in the Chita region. Moving into China, it can be found within the Inner Mongolia and Manchuria territories. The species also inhabits the China North-Central area, showcasing its adaptability to diverse climates. Finally, its range extends further west into the Qinghai province of China.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Caragana stenophylla is characterized by its high adaptability to diverse and often harsh environmental conditions. This species is primarily found inhabiting mountains, where it can withstand varying elevations and rugged terrain. It exhibits a versatile distribution across various substrates, frequently occurring in sandy areas and stony places, which suggests a tolerance for well-drained, nutrient-poor, or disturbed soils. Furthermore, its presence near rivers indicates an ability to navigate riparian zones, while its prevalence in steppe ecosystems highlights its capacity to thrive in open, semi-arid landscapes subject to significant temperature fluctuations and wind exposure.

Habitat :

mountains, rivers, sand, steppe, stony places

Life history

The life history of Caragana stenophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a perennial, the plant undergoes multiple growing seasons, developing robust structures that enable it to persist through varying environmental conditions over many years. Its seasonal physiological behavior is defined by its deciduousness, meaning it sheds its foliage annually in response to seasonal changes. This cycle of shedding leaves and entering a period of dormancy is a key component of its survival strategy, regulating its metabolic processes and resource management throughout its life cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Caragana stenophylla is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana or vine. This plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.7 m. In terms of its ecological positioning and habitat preference, it is classified as a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial grower rather than an epiphyte, maintaining its structural integrity through its woody composition.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.7 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Caragana stenophylla is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under standard environmental conditions. Its vegetative morphology is defined by a linear leaf form, presenting a streamlined structure that influences its transpiration rates and light interception capabilities. The leaf margins are entirely smooth, lacking any serration or teeth, and the plant's foliage is notably devoid of both leaf thorns and leaf spines, indicating a lack of these specific physical defense mechanisms on its leaf surfaces.

Leaf form :

linear

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Caragana stenophylla is characterized by a seasonal flowering period that typically commences in April and continues through to September. While the specific timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions, the plant generally exhibits its reproductive activity within this window, spanning from the spring months into the late summer and early autumn.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Sep

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Caragana stenophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
3. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Chemicals

Caragana stenophylla has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Alpha-Viniferin, 3-O-Methylkaempferol, Afromosin, Calycosin, Caragaphenol A.

(+)-Alpha-Viniferin

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

3-O-Methylkaempferol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Afromosin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Calycosin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Caragaphenol A

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Flavonoid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Isopterofuran

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Kobophenol A

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Liquiritigenin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Activities

Caragana stenophylla has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Caragana stenophylla has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis.

Hypertension

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Caragana stenophylla has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract.

Ethanol extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology