Gansu Bluebeard

Caryopteris tangutica · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (11 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Gansu Bluebeard, scientifically known as Caryopteris tangutica, is a striking perennial shrub native to China. Renowned for its vibrant blue flowers and aromatic foliage, it is valued in traditional herbal medicine. This resilient plant offers unique therapeutic potential, making it a fascinating subject for both gardeners and ethnobotanists.

Family
Lamiaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Flowers · Leaves
Common names
Gansu Bluebeard
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Caryopteris tangutica

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Caryopteris. Specifically, Caryopteris tangutica represents a unique species within this taxonomic hierarchy.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Caryopteris WCVP

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the vast territory of China. Its geographical range primarily encompasses the areas classified as China South-Central. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the China North-Central region. These distinct locations define the natural habitat where the species thrives. Consequently, its distribution is concentrated within these particular central Chinese provinces.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Caryopteris tangutica, is characterized by its distinct structural features that contribute to its overall medicinal and ornamental value. The stems are typically woody at the base and become more herbaceous toward the tips, providing a sturdy framework for the plant's growth. Its leaves are generally lanceolate or oblong in shape, often featuring a slightly textured surface and a grayish-green hue that helps the plant manage moisture. Most notably, the flowers appear in dense, terminal clusters, displaying vibrant blue to violet petals that serve as a primary attraction for pollinators.
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flowers Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
leaves Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
stems Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Caryopteris tangutica has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Caryophyllene oxide, Hexadecanoic acid, Myrtenal, Myrtenyl acetate, Phytol.

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Caryophyllene oxide Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Hexadecanoic acid Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Myrtenal Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Myrtenyl acetate Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Phytol Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
beta-Cedrene Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
trans-Pinocarvyl acetate Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Confidence
essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆