Cephalaria kotschyi

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions of Western Asia and the Caucasus. Within the Caucasus region, its presence is notably documented throughout the Transcaucasus. Moving into Western Asia, the species can be found growing within the borders of Iran. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the diverse landscapes of Türkiye. These locations define the primary natural range where this medicinal species is located.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cephalaeria kotschyi is characterized by its opportunistic tendency to colonize disturbed landscapes, particularly within the context of agricultural environments. This species frequently establishes itself in crop fields, where the periodic disturbance of soil and the modification of vegetation cover provide suitable niches for its growth and expansion. By thriving in these anthropogenically altered habitats, the plant utilizes the available space and resources provided by agricultural cycles, often acting as a pioneer or secondary colonizer in the transition zones between managed crops and surrounding natural terrain.

Habitat :

crop fields

Life history

The life history of Cephalaeria kotschyi is characterized by its perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by the litter or substrate. This specific growth habit, categorized under the hemicryptophyte life form designation, enables the species to withstand seasonal environmental fluctuations by maintaining its regenerative capacity near the ground level.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cephalaeria kotschyi is characterized by its growth form as a herb, typically exhibiting a non-woody structure. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.8 m. Furthermore, it functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship during its life cycle.

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cephalaeria kotschyi is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically begins in June and concludes in July, representing a relatively concentrated window for pollination and subsequent seed development. While the timing can be subject to environmental variables, these months serve as the primary timeframe for the emergence of its reproductive structures.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cephalaria kotschyi 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 root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products