Chenopodium opulifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Chenopodium opulifolium, exhibits a specific distribution across several Northern European territories. Its presence is documented throughout the Scandinavian region, including both Norway and Sweden. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Finland. Moving further west, the plant is also established within the borders of Denmark. Finally, its geographical reach extends to the islands of Great Britain.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chenopodium opulifolium is characterized by its presence in specific high-altitude environments, typically thriving within crop fields. This species occupies a distinct vertical niche, maintaining an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 2000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2000 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields

Life history

The life history of Chenopodium opulifolium is characterized by its existence as an annual species, completing its entire developmental cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. Functioning as a therophyte, the plant survives the unfavorable seasons primarily in the form of seeds, which remain dormant until conditions become suitable for new growth. Its physiological development follows a deciduous pattern, shedding its foliage as the season progresses or environmental conditions change. As a therophyte, it lacks persistent above-ground woody structures, instead relying on a rapid life cycle to exploit temporary resources and ensure the continuity of the species through prolific seed dispersal.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Chenopodium opulifolium is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. As a self-supporting plant, it does not function as a climber or liana, nor does it act as an epiphyte or parasite, maintaining an independent existence. It is strictly a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with heights ranging from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 3 m, resulting in a mean plant height of approximately 1.07 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

1.06666666666667 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Chenopodium opulifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and energy production. Its vegetative structure is defined by specific leaf dimensions, where the leaf width remains highly consistent at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 2 cm. The leaf length exhibits variability, reaching a maximum value of 7.5 cm. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Leaf length max:

7.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

2 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Chenopodium opulifolium is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period that typically begins in July and concludes in August. The plant utilizes an abiotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on wind for the transfer of pollen. Interestingly, self-fertilization is absent in this species, necessitating external pollination mechanisms to ensure reproductive success. The resulting seeds are notably small and uniform in dimension, with a mean seed width of 1.2 mm (ranging from a minimum of 1.2 mm to a maximum of 1.2 mm) and a mean seed mass of approximately 0.0006148335 g. The seed mass varies within a narrow range, with a minimum value of 0.0006 g and a maximum of 0.0007 g. Following maturation, the dispersal of seeds is driven by a hydrochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by water.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Seed mass max:

7e-04 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0006148335 g

Seed mass min:

6e-04 g

Seed width mean:

1.2 mm

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Chenopodium opulifolium 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. Malaria journal

Preparations

Chenopodium opulifolium has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Aqueous and ethanolic extracts, water extract of the roots.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts

1. Pharmacological research

Water extract of the roots

1. Malaria journal