Daphne retusa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malvales and the family Thymelaeaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Daphne.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions of Asia. In China, its distribution spans from the South-Central provinces to the North-Central areas. It is also found growing within the high-altitude landscapes of Qinghai. Furthermore, the species is documented as inhabiting the mountainous terrain of Tibet. Finally, its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the region of Assam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Daphne retusa is characterized by its occurrence within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species is primarily found at significant elevations, with its distribution spanning a range that begins at a minimum of 3000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4200 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal gradient, the plant thrives most consistently around a mean elevation of 3450 m AMSL, indicating a preference for the specialized climatic and soil conditions found in these high-alpine or sub-alpine zones.

Elevational range max:

4200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Daphne retusa is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its lifespan, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, retaining its foliage year-round rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Daphne retusa is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, which typically functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. As a terrestrial species, it develops a robust structure with a woodiness that defines its physical presence. The plant's height varies significantly depending on environmental conditions and maturity, with specimens ranging from a minimum of 0.4 m to a maximum of 1.5 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 0.95 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

0.95 m

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Daphne retusa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. Its vegetative growth is defined by specific leaf morphology, where the foliage exhibits a mean leaf length of 2.7 cm, ranging from a minimum of 1.4 cm to a maximum of 4 cm. Complementing this, the leaf width varies from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 1.4 cm, maintaining a mean width of 1 cm. These dimensional parameters reflect the plant's structural adaptations for gas exchange and light interception within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

4 cm

Leaf length mean:

2.7 cm

Leaf length min:

1.4 cm

Leaf width max:

1.4 cm

Leaf width mean:

1 cm

Leaf width min:

0.6 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Daphne retusa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include methanol.

methanol

1. Current topics in medicinal chemistry