Salsola tetrandra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Halogeton tetrandrus
• Muratina zolotarevakyana
• Salsola tetrandra
• Salsola pentandra subsp. adisca
• Salsola pentandra

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and is a member of the family Amaranthaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Caroxylon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Caroxylon tetrandrum, exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the Northern African region. Its presence is notably documented across the vast landscapes of Algeria. Additionally, the species can be found throughout the territories of Egypt and Libya. It also extends its range into the northern reaches of Morocco. Finally, the plant completes its regional distribution within the borders of Tunisia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Caroxylon tetrandrum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its biological cycle within a single year. As a perennial species, it establishes a stable presence in its habitat, investing energy into long-term survival and structural development that enables it to endure seasonal fluctuations. This extended lifespan facilitates repeated reproductive efforts over time, contributing to the species' ability to maintain population stability within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Caroxylon tetrandrum is characterized by its growth form as a woody subshrub that functions as a self-supporting plant. It exhibits a diverse range of ecological adaptations, being capable of inhabiting aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not rely on a host for nutrients. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Caroxylon tetrandrum is characterized by specialized adaptations for efficient resource management and metabolic efficiency. The plant utilizes a C4 photosynthetic pathway, which allows for enhanced carbon fixation and reduced photorespiration, making it highly effective in specific environmental conditions. Its vegetative structure features leaves with an imbricate form, organized in an opposite arrangement along the stem. Morphologically, the leaves are notably diminutive, with a maximum leaf length of only 0.2 cm. Furthermore, the plant exhibits succulence, a physiological trait that facilitates significant water storage within its tissues to support survival during periods of limited moisture availability.

Leaf arrangement :

opposite

Leaf form :

imbricate

Leaf length max:

0.2 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Succulence :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Caroxylon tetrandrum is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle and a distinct floral arrangement. The flowering period typically commences in January and reaches its conclusion in May, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces flowers organized in a spike inflorescence, a structural arrangement that facilitates the pollination process.

Flowering time :

Jan

Flowering time :

May

Inflorescence :

spike

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Caroxylon tetrandrum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, 9-Hydroxylinaloyl glucoside, Taxiphyllin, trans-N-Feruloyltyramine.

3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

9-Hydroxylinaloyl glucoside

1. Journal of natural products

Taxiphyllin

1. Journal of natural products

trans-N-Feruloyltyramine

1. Journal of natural products