Clinopodium nubigenum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Thymus nubigenus
• Satureja nubigena
• Micromeria nubigena
• Micromeria nubigena var. angustifolia
• Micromeria nubigena var. cordifolia
• Micromeria nubigena subvar. glabrescens
• Micromeria nubigena var. glabrescens

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 is organized under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Clinopodium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of South America. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the territory of Venezuela. Its presence extends into Western South America, where it is documented in Colombia. The species is also located within the borders of Ecuador in the western part of the continent. Finally, its geographical range reaches further south into Peru.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clinopodium nubigenum is characterized by its adaptation to high-altitude alpine and subalpine environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is primarily found in montane and alpine zones, occupying an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 3100 m AMSL to a maximum of 4300 m AMSL. Such a high-altitude niche suggests an ability to withstand extreme environmental stressors typical of these habitats, including intense ultraviolet radiation, significant temperature fluctuations, and thin, rocky, or nutrient-poor soils. Its presence in these high-elevation belts indicates a specialization for cold-tolerant life cycles and a reliance on the specific microclimates provided by mountain slopes and rocky outcrops within these altitudinal limits.

Elevational range max:

4300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3100 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clinopodium nubigenum is characterized by its specific growth habit and survival strategy, classified primarily as a chamaephyte. This life form dictates that its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, often nestled within or just above the ground layer, which allows the plant to withstand environmental fluctuations such as temperature changes or grazing. Within the broader spectrum of botanical life forms, it is specifically categorized as a chamaephyte, distinguishing it from phanerophytes, hemicryptophytes, cryptophytes, or therophytes. This physiological positioning ensures that the plant can effectively manage its seasonal cycles, maintaining a low-profile structure that is well-adapted to its ecological niche.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Clinopodium nubigenum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a primarily terrestrial existence rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic habit. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, nor does it act as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial lifestyle. The plant is self-supporting in its structural development, lacking the climbing mechanisms associated with vines, lianas, or obligatory climbers, and instead maintains a stable, self-supporting herbaceous habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Clinopodium nubigenum has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Antibacterial

1. PloS one

Antifungal

1. PloS one

Conditions

Clinopodium nubigenum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include secondary infections.

Secondary infections

1. PloS one