Coptis omeiensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Coptis chinensis var. omeiensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, it is further classified under the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls within the genus Coptis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the country of China. Its geographical range is primarily concentrated in the South-Central portion of the nation. Additionally, the species can be found distributed throughout China Southeast. These specific areas provide the unique environmental conditions necessary for its growth. Consequently, its presence is limited to these distinct southern and central Chinese territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coptis omeiensis is defined by its specific preference for montane environments, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found within a specialized vertical distribution, thriving at elevations that typically begin at a minimum of 1000 m AMSL. Throughout its natural habitat, the plant maintains an average presence at an elevation of approximately 1350 m AMSL, though its range extends upward to reach a maximum altitude of 1700 m AMSL. This elevational stratification suggests that the species is adapted to the specific climatic conditions, such as temperature gradients and moisture availability, characteristic of these mid-to-high montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Coptis omeiensis is characterized by its growth form as a herb, specifically functioning as a non-woody herbaceous plant. In terms of its structural development, it does not exhibit climbing tendencies, instead maintaining a self-supporting habit. As a non-woody herb, the plant lacks lignified tissues, contributing to its soft, herbaceous stature.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Coptis omeiensis is characterized by significant morphological variability in its leaf dimensions. The leaves exhibit a substantial range in length, with minimum measurements recorded at 6 cm and a mean length of approximately 11 cm, reaching a maximum extension of up to 16 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a distinct width profile, where leaf widths fluctuate from a minimum of 3.5 cm to a maximum of 6.3 cm, maintaining an overall mean width of 4.9 cm. These dimensional parameters reflect the plant's adaptive growth patterns and the structural capacity of its photosynthetic organs.

Leaf length max:

16 cm

Leaf length mean:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

6.3 cm

Leaf width mean:

4.9 cm

Leaf width min:

3.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Coptis omeiensis involves the development of distinct fruit structures characterized by specific morphological dimensions. The fruits produced by this species exhibit a relatively consistent width, maintaining a mean and minimum measurement of 0.3 cm, with a maximum width also reaching 0.3 cm. In terms of longitudinal development, the fruit length shows more variability, ranging from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 0.6 cm, with an average length of approximately 0.55 cm. These precise dimensions in fruit size are essential indicators of the plant's reproductive maturity and successful seed development.

Fruit length max:

0.6 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.55 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Fruit width max:

0.3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Coptis omeiensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Columbamine, Coptisine, Jatrorrhizine, Palmatine, berberine.

Columbamine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Coptisine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Jatrorrhizine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Palmatine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

berberine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica