Siberian larkspur

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Siberian larkspur

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Delphinastrum grandiflorum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It further falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, placing it in the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Delphinium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the vast regions of Siberia. It can be found growing in the Republic of Buryatiya, where local ecosystems support its survival. The species also inhabits the territories of Chita and the Irkutsk region. Furthermore, its presence extends into the Krasnoyarsk area of the Siberian landscape. Finally, the distribution of Delphinium grandiflorum includes the remote and rugged terrain of Tuva.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Delphinium grandiflorum is characterized by its presence in diverse and rugged terrain, thriving primarily within meadows that range from dry environments to areas near rivers and stony places. This species demonstrates a broad altitudinal tolerance, occupying various vertical zones within mountainous landscapes. It is typically found at a mean elevation of 1650 m AMSL, with its distribution spanning an elevational range that begins as low as 500 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 2800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1650 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Habitat :

meadows: dry, mountains, rivers, stony places

Life history

The life history of Delphinium grandiflorum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it undergoes a recurring developmental pattern where it establishes a robust root system that serves as an energy reservoir to survive periods of dormancy. Each year, the plant emerges from its dormant state to undergo a seasonal cycle of vegetative growth, followed by the development of its characteristic large-flowered inflorescences. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to invest significantly in reproductive structures and seed production over several years, contributing to its stability within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Delphinium grandiflorum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This terrestrial species is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or liana, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a relatively low profile, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.65 m, resulting in a mean plant height of approximately 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.65 m

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Delphinium grandiflorum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The vegetative morphology of the plant features leaves with a linear form and a dissected margin, lacking any defensive leaf thorns or spines. The leaf dimensions exhibit significant variability, with a minimum length of 2.2 cm and a maximum length reaching 6 cm, resulting in an average leaf length of 4.1 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width ranges from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 8.5 cm, maintaining a mean width of 6.25 cm.

Leaf form :

linear

Leaf length max:

6 cm

Leaf length mean:

4.1 cm

Leaf length min:

2.2 cm

Leaf margin :

dissected

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Leaf width max:

8.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

6.25 cm

Leaf width min:

4 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Delphinium grandiflorum is characterized by its bisexual reproductive system, facilitating sexual reproduction within the species. The flowering period typically occurs during the warmer months, with blooming starting in June and concluding in August, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit significant morphological variation in size; the fruit length ranges from a minimum of 0.2 cm to a maximum of 1.9 cm, with an average length of approximately 1.17 cm. The seeds produced within these fruits are remarkably lightweight, possessing a minimum mass of 0.001 g and a maximum mass of 0.00142 g, resulting in a mean seed mass of 0.00121 g.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

1.9 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.16666666666667 cm

Fruit length min:

0.2 cm

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass max:

0.00142 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00121 g

Seed mass min:

0.001 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Delphinium grandiflorum 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. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Delphinium grandiflorum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Delajadine, Delavaine A, Delsemine A, Lycoctonine.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

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

Delajadine

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

Delavaine A

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

Delsemine A

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

Lycoctonine

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

plamitic acid

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

Preparations

Delphinium grandiflorum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots of Delphinium grandiflorum.

Roots of delphinium grandiflorum

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