Centaurea behen

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Microlophus alatus
• Centaurea acuta
• Centaurea alata
• Centaurium acutum
• Centaurea brachyptera
• Centaurea germaniciae
• Piptoceras behen
• Rhaponticum behen
• Serratula behen
• Centaurium alatum
• Centaurium behen

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Centaurea behen, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the Asteraceae family within the genus Centaurea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution that spans several key regions across Western and Central Asia. In Central Asia, its presence is documented within the borders of Turkmenistan. The species also extends into the Caucasus region, occurring in both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus areas. Moving into Western Asia, it can be found growing across the landscape of Iran. Finally, its range reaches further into Western Asia, specifically within the country of Iraq.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Centaurea behen is characterized by its ability to colonize a diverse range of open and disturbed environments. It is commonly found thriving in cropfields and oldfields, where it utilizes the available space in agricultural landscapes, as well as in meadows and parks, where it integrates into diverse grassland communities. Furthermore, the species exhibits significant ecological flexibility by inhabiting mountainous regions, allowing it to adapt to varying altitudes and varying climatic conditions. This broad distribution across different terrestrial ecosystems highlights its resilience and ability to persist in both managed landscapes and more rugged, natural terrains.

Habitat :

cropfields,meadows,mountains,oldfields,parks

Life history

The life history of Centaurea behen is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form in which the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by the remains of previous years' foliage or debris. This hemicryptophytic growth habit enables the plant to endure seasonal changes and environmental stresses while maintaining its ability to regenerate and complete its reproductive stages over time.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Centauria behen is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. This plant typically reaches a maximum plant height of 1.5 m and functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies. In terms of its habitat preference and ecological positioning, it can be found in aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Centaurea behen is closely tied to its seasonal flowering cycle, which serves as the primary stage for its reproductive processes. The plant enters its flowering phase during the summer months, with the flowering start specifically occurring in July. This reproductive period continues through the peak of the season until the flowering end, which typically takes place in August. During this window, the plant produces its blooms to facilitate pollination, ensuring the eventual production of seeds for the next generation.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Centaurea behen has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechins.

catechins

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Preparations

Centaurea behen has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Vivabon syrup.

Vivabon syrup

1. Journal of chromatographic science