Crataegus chungtienensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rosaceae and falls under the genus Crataegus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Crataegus chungtienensis, possesses a specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is found exclusively within the borders of China. More specifically, the species is distributed throughout the South-Central region of the country. This concentrated distribution suggests that the plant thrives under the particular environmental conditions found in these provinces. Consequently, its occurrence is a defining characteristic of the botanical landscape in South-Central China.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Crataegus chungtienensis is characterized by its specialized preference for high-altitude environments, positioning it within distinct montane ecosystems. This species is strictly distributed across an elevational gradient that begins at a minimum of 2500 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Within this specific altitudinal niche, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 3000 m AMSL, suggesting that its optimal physiological conditions and reproductive success are most closely aligned with the climatic parameters found at this mid-to-upper montane level.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Crataegus chungtienensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its vegetative structures and continues to grow through multiple growing seasons over many years. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single season or biennials that require two years to reach maturity, this plant establishes a long-term presence in its habitat. As a perennial, it undergoes repeated cycles of seasonal growth, dormancy, and reproduction, allowing it to accumulate biomass and structural stability over time. This enduring lifecycle enables the plant to withstand environmental fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crataegus chungtienensis is characterized by its woody structure and distinct growth habit. The plant typically manifests as a shrub, exhibiting a robust and woody composition throughout its stems. In terms of stature, it reaches a mean plant height of approximately 6 meters. Regarding its structural support, the species is classified as self-supporting, maintaining its upright growth form without the need for external climbing structures.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Crataegus chungtienensis is characterized by specific morphometric variations in leaf dimensions that reflect its growth patterns. The leaves exhibit a measurable range in longitudinal development, with a minimum leaf length of 4 cm and a mean leaf length of 5.5 cm, reaching a maximum length of 7 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth is the lateral expansion of the leaf blades, which maintain a minimum width of 3.5 cm and can expand to a maximum width of 5 cm. These dimensional parameters indicate a structured leaf morphology that facilitates efficient surface area management for metabolic processes.

Leaf length max:

7 cm

Leaf length mean:

5.5 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

5 cm

Leaf width min:

3.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Crataegus chungtienensis is characterized by its distinct inflorescence and fruiting structures. The reproductive cycle begins with the development of an inflorescence that typically ranges in length from a minimum of 0.03 m to a maximum of 0.04 m. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit highly specific dimensions. The fruit length is remarkably consistent, with a minimum, mean, and maximum value all measured at 0.8 cm. In contrast, the fruit width shows more variability in its recorded metrics, with a reported minimum of 6 cm, a mean of 3.3 cm, and a maximum of 0.6 cm, defining the physical parameters of the fruit during its developmental stages.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Fruit width max:

0.6 cm

Fruit width mean:

3.3 cm

Fruit width min:

6 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.04 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.03 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Crataegus chungtienensis 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Plant diversity

Chemicals

Crataegus chungtienensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Stachyose, Terpenoids, cis-Aconitic acid, maltotetraose.

Flavonoids

1. Plant diversity

Stachyose

1. Plant diversity

Terpenoids

1. Plant diversity

cis-Aconitic acid

1. Plant diversity

maltotetraose

1. Plant diversity