Cymbopogon distans

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Andropogon distans
• Andropogon nardus var. distans

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Poales and the family Poaceae, it is classified under the genus Cymbopogon. Therefore, its full taxonomic identity is established as Cymbopogon distans.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Asia. In China, it is found distributed throughout the South-Central and North-Central areas. Its presence also extends into the high-altitude terrain of Tibet. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be located within the borders of Nepal. Finally, the distribution reaches into Pakistan, marking its presence across these diverse landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cymbopogon distans is characterized by its specific distribution within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This plant is primarily found in mountainous terrains, maintaining an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 2000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal gradient, the species demonstrates a preference for mid-to-high elevation zones, with a calculated mean elevation of 2750 m AMSL. This specialized range suggests that the species is adapted to the unique climatic conditions, such as lower temperatures and specific moisture regimes, typical of these high-altitude ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cymbopogon distans is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it functions as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable environmental conditions. This specific growth habit enables the plant to maintain its presence in its natural habitat, ensuring long-term survival and regrowth following seasonal shifts.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cymbopogon distans is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody, graminoid herb. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting a terrestrial habit rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic. As a self-supporting plant, it does not possess climbing mechanisms such as lianas or vines, instead maintaining its structure through its graminoid architecture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

graminoid

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cymbopogon distans is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive availability. The flowering period typically commences in August and concludes in September, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. This seasonal window marks the peak interval for pollination and the subsequent development of seeds, following a pattern that spans these specific months within its annual cycle.

Flowering time :

Aug

Flowering time :

Sep

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cymbopogon distans has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Citral, GERANIOL, GERANYL ACETATE, GERANIAL, NERAL.

Citral

1. Inflammopharmacology
2. Natural product research

GERANIOL

1. Inflammopharmacology
2. Natural product research

GERANYL ACETATE

1. Inflammopharmacology
2. Natural product research

GERANIAL

1. Natural product research

NERAL

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Cymbopogon distans has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, neuroinflammation, skin diseases.

Inflammation

1. Inflammopharmacology

Neurodegenerative disorders

1. Natural product research

Neuroinflammation

1. Natural product research

Skin diseases

1. Inflammopharmacology

Preparations

Cymbopogon distans has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil hydro-distilled from C. distans coded as CDA-01.

Essential oil hydro-distilled from c. distans coded as cda-01

1. Inflammopharmacology