Daphne tangutica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Daphne tangutica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales, specifically falling into the family Thymelaeaceae. Within this family, it is categorized under the genus Daphne.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the vast landscapes of China. Its geographical presence is notably recorded across China South-Central and China North-Central. Furthermore, the species can be found growing in the high-altitude environments of Qinghai. The distribution also extends into the unique terrain of Tibet. Consequently, these areas define the primary natural habitat for Daphne tangutica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Daphne tangutica is defined by its specific distribution across high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a broad altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3800 m AMSL, demonstrating a significant capacity for adaptation to varying mountain microclimates. On average, the plant thrives at a mean elevation of 2400 m AMSL, positioning it within subalpine and alpine zones where it must withstand unique environmental pressures such as intense solar radiation, fluctuating temperatures, and varying moisture availability characteristic of these high-elevation habitats.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Daphne tangutica is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its life cycle, the plant maintains an evergreen status, retaining its foliage year-round rather than shedding it during seasonal changes. This combination of a long-lived perennial lifecycle and evergreen habit enables the plant to maintain continuous photosynthetic activity and structural presence within its ecological niche.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Daphne tangutica is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. This plant is self-supporting rather than being a climber, maintaining a stable structure through its woody stems. In terms of stature, it exhibits significant variation in height, with individuals typically reaching a mean height of 1.5 m, though the height can range from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 2.5 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

2.5 m

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Daphne tangutica are closely linked to its foliar morphology, which plays a critical role in its metabolic processes and environmental adaptation. The leaves exhibit significant morphological variation, with a mean leaf length of 5.875 cm and a range spanning from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 10 cm. This variation in length is accompanied by a corresponding fluctuation in width, where the leaf width ranges from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 2.2 cm, maintaining an overall mean width of 1.6 cm. These dimensions influence the total surface area available for photosynthesis and transpiration, dictating the plant's efficiency in gas exchange and water regulation. The structural diversity in leaf size and width suggests a physiological capacity to optimize light interception and manage moisture loss across varying microclimatic conditions.

Leaf length max:

10 cm

Leaf length mean:

5.875 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Leaf width max:

2.2 cm

Leaf width mean:

1.6 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Daphne tangutica culminates in the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with fruit lengths typically ranging from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 0.8 cm. On average, the fruit length is measured at approximately 0.7 cm, a characteristic trait that aids in its identification during the fruiting stage. This reproductive process ensures the distribution of progeny across its natural habitat, relying on these standardized fruit sizes to facilitate successful dispersal and subsequent germination.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.7 cm

Fruit length min:

0.6 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Daphne tangutica has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Genkwanin, Hydroxygenkwanin, Laurostearic acid, daphnetin.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Genkwanin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Hydroxygenkwanin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Laurostearic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

daphnetin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

palmitic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials