Clinopodium odorum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Bolivia. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it can be found in Northeast Argentina. Additionally, the species extends into the Northwest region of Argentina. Together, these locations define its primary geographical distribution.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clinopodium odorum is defined by its preference for high-altitude environments, specifically occupying montane and subalpine zones. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1500 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. Within these altitudinal gradients, the plant adapts to the specific climatic pressures of mountainous terrain, including cooler temperatures and varying levels of solar radiation characteristic of these elevations. Its distribution is closely tied to these vertical limits, which dictate the soil moisture, atmospheric pressure, and seasonal temperature fluctuations essential for its growth and survival in its native habitat.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clinopodium odorum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, ensuring its persistence across multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, often just above it, which allows it to withstand varying environmental conditions. This chamamyphyte classification is consistently applied to describe its growth habit, defining how it maintains its physiological presence and regenerative capacity within its ecological niche.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clinopodium odorum is characterized by a self-supporting growth habit, functioning as an independent organism without any parasitic tendencies. It presents as a woody shrub, exhibiting a sturdy, woodiness that distinguishes its structural integrity. Rather than being an epiphyte or a climber such as a liana or vine, this plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning, showing no preference for aquatic or semiaquatic environments. Its development is characterized by a stable, non-climbing form that remains firmly rooted in soil, maintaining a self-supporting architecture throughout its life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Clinopodium odorum is characterized by a metabolic framework governed by the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a process where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and gas exchange patterns, as it relies on keeping stomata open for CO2 uptake, which inherently leads to higher transpiration rates compared to C4 or CAM species. The plant's energy assimilation is closely linked to its specialized glandular trichomes, which serve as physiological hubs for the biosynthesis and storage of volatile organic compounds. These secondary metabolites are integrated into the plant's physiological defense mechanisms, helping to regulate osmotic potential and protect cellular structures against environmental stressors and herbivory. Through this C3-driven carbon fixation, the plant maintains the energetic requirements necessary for both primary growth and the complex metabolic synthesis of its characteristic aromatic constituents.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Clinopodium odorum has 24 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, 1-NONENE, ALPHA-PINENE, BETA-PINENE, CAMPHENE.

1,8-Cineole

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1-NONENE

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ALPHA-PINENE

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BETA-PINENE

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CAMPHENE

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CITRONELLAL

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Cedrol

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Citronellol

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DODECANAL

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Decanoic acid

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Activities

Clinopodium odorum has 186 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Acaricide.

(-)-Chronotropic

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(-)-Inotropic

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ACE-Inhibitor

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AChE-Inhibitor

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Acaricide

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Allelopathic

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Allergenic

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Analgesic

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