Bigelow's crossosoma

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Bigelow's crossosoma

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Crossosoma bigelovii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Crossosomatales. Finally, it is a member of the family Crossosomataceae and falls under the genus Crossosoma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across the arid regions of North America. In the Southwestern United States, it can be found growing within the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Its distribution extends southward into the country of Mexico as well. Specifically, it is located throughout the Northeast region of Mexico. Additionally, the species is present across the Northwest part of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crossosoma bigelovii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant undergoes a continuous life cycle that avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead focusing on long-term survival and periodic reproductive efforts. This biological strategy enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its ecological niche, utilizing its established root systems or vegetative structures to endure seasonal fluctuations and re-emerge during favorable conditions. Through this perennial lifecycle, Crossosoma bigelovii can accumulate resources over several years, enhancing its ability to produce seeds and maintain population stability within its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crossosoma bigelovii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing or vine-like characteristics of lianas or obligatory climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Crossosoma bigelovii is characterized by the production of extremely minute seeds, which play a critical role in its dispersal and establishment processes. Quantitative analysis of its reproductive output reveals a highly uniform seed profile, with a recorded seed mass mean of 0.00077 g. This consistency is reflected across the entire sampled range, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are identical at 0.00077 g. Such minimal seed mass suggests a reproductive strategy focused on high-volume seed production, likely facilitating widespread distribution through wind or water, despite the negligible individual weight of each unit.

Seed mass mean:

0.00077 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Crossosoma bigelovii has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ajmalicine, Eugenin, Matairesinol, Noreugenin, Secoisolariciresinol.

Ajmalicine

1. Journal of natural products

Eugenin

1. Journal of natural products

Matairesinol

1. Journal of natural products

Noreugenin

1. Journal of natural products

Secoisolariciresinol

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Crossosoma bigelovii has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Crossosoma bigelovii has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include organic solvent extract.

Organic solvent extract

1. Journal of natural products