Corydalis calliantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Ranunculales and the family Papaveraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Corydalis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to a very specific region within the Indian Subcontinent. Its primary habitat is located within the East Himalaya mountain range. This specialized geographical range suggests that it thrives in the unique climatic conditions of these high-altitude areas. Because its distribution is so localized, the species is characteristic of the eastern Himalayan ecosystem. Consequently, researchers focusing on this medicinal plant must look toward these specific eastern mountainous terrains.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Corydalis calliantha is characterized by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude alpine environments, where it occupies a distinct niche within the montane landscape. This species thrives within a specific vertical distribution, maintaining a presence across a high-elevation range that spans from a minimum of 3800 m AMSL to a maximum of 4800 m AMSL. Such an extreme elevational gradient suggests that the plant is well-adapted to the unique stressors of the high Andes, including intense ultraviolet radiation, significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, and potentially thin, rocky soils. Its ability to persist at these altitudes indicates a highly specialized physiological tolerance for low atmospheric pressure and cold-temperate climatic conditions typical of the alpine tundra or puna ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

4800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3800 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Corydalis calliantha is characterized by its growth form as a herb, typically appearing as a delicate, non-woody plant. It functions as a terrestrial species, rooting directly in the soil rather than growing upon other plants. Although it exhibits certain climbing tendencies, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, meaning it does not rely on external structures for structural integrity but maintains its own upright or spreading habit through its herbaceous stem.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Corydalis calliantha has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cheilanthifoline, Scoulerine, Stylopine, protopine.

Cheilanthifoline

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Scoulerine

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Stylopine

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

protopine

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Corydalis calliantha has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR