Cynanchum maximoviczii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across parts of Eastern Asia and the Russian Far East. It can be found growing within the Kuril Islands, which are part of the Russian Far East. Additionally, its range extends to Sakhalin, another significant region in the Russian Far East. Moving further into Eastern Asia, the species is also widely distributed throughout Japan. Together, these locations define the natural habitat where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cynanchum maximoviczii is characterized by its presence in diverse and geographically distinct environments, ranging from rugged mountainous terrain to coastal regions. It thrives in the specialized niches found within mountains, where it must adapt to varying elevations and potentially fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, its ecological range extends to marine-influenced landscapes, specifically occupying shores and coastal areas. This ability to inhabit both high-altitude inland ecosystems and saline-adjacent maritime environments suggests a high degree of environmental plasticity, allowing the species to persist across varied topographical and climatic gradients.

Habitat :

mountains, sea, shores

Life history

The life history of Cynanchum maximoviczii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant avoids the complete mortality associated with annual or biennial cycles, instead establishing a long-term presence through specialized vegetative structures or robust root systems that support continuous growth and seasonal regeneration. This life cycle enables the plant to invest energy into structural stability and complex reproductive strategies over several years, rather than focusing solely on a single rapid reproductive event. Through this perennial strategy, Cynanchum maximoviczii can effectively navigate environmental fluctuations and maintain its ecological niche within its native range.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cynanchum maximoviczii is characterized by its growth form as a herb, which lacks the structural development of woody stems. Specifically, the plant is classified by its non-woody nature, exhibiting a soft, succulent, or flexible stem structure rather than the lignified tissue found in shrubs or trees.

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cynanchum maximoviczii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process is concentrated in the mid-summer months, with the onset of flowering typically occurring in July. This reproductive phase continues through the subsequent month, reaching its conclusion in August. This brief period of floral activity defines the plant's window for pollination and subsequent seed development.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cynanchum maximoviczii 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 root.

Root

1. Planta medica