Dracocephalum palmatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ruyschiana palmata
• Dracocephalum schelechowii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Dracocephalum. Specifically, Dracocephalum palmatum represents a unique species within this taxonomic lineage.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of Northern Asia. In the vast territory of Siberia, it can be specifically found within the Yakutiya region. Its presence extends significantly into the Russian Far East, covering various diverse landscapes. Within this eastern territory, it inhabits the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Khabarovsk area. Finally, the species also grows within the Magadan region, completing its northern geographical range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dracocephalum palmatum is defined by its ability to thrive in rugged and demanding environments, specifically occupying diverse terrains such as mountains, sand, stony places, and tundra. This adaptability allows the species to colonize nutrient-poor or unstable substrates where competition from more vigorous vegetation is limited. By inhabiting both high-altitude mountain regions and the harsh, exposed conditions of the tundra, the plant demonstrates a high tolerance for extreme temperature fluctuations and wind exposure. Its presence in stony and sandy sites suggests a specialized niche for plants that can manage rapid drainage and potentially low moisture retention, utilizing the physical stability of rocky crevices or the specific thermal properties of sandy soils to complete its life cycle.

Habitat :

mountains, sand, stony places, tundra

Life history

The life history of Dracocephalum palmatum is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, ensuring its persistence in its natural habitat through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, the species exhibits a hemicryptophyte life form, a growth strategy where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or the substrate. This specific life form, categorized under the hemicryptophyte designation, allows the plant to withstand seasonal fluctuations and environmental stressors by maintaining its vital organs near the ground level during unfavorable periods.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dracocephalum palmatum is characterized by its compact growth habit, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.12 m. This species functions as a facultative climber, meaning it possesses the ability to scramble or climb upon surrounding vegetation when necessary, though it is not an obligatory climber. It is an independent organism, showing no parasitic behavior toward other plants, and maintains a terrestrial life form, growing directly in soil rather than acting as an epiphyte.

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.12 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dracocephalum palmatum is primarily characterized by its specific flowering cycle, which is centered around the mid-year period. The flowering process typically commences in July and reaches its conclusion within the same month, though the precise duration can be variable depending on environmental conditions. This concentrated blooming period serves as the critical window for pollination and the subsequent development of seeds, ensuring the continuation of the species through its seasonal reproductive cycle.

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dracocephalum palmatum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Aesculetin, Cichoric Acid, Coumarins, Salvianolic acid B.

Flavonoids

1. Oncology reports
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Aesculetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cichoric Acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Coumarins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Salvianolic acid B

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Triterpenes

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Umbelliferone

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

caftaric acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Dracocephalum palmatum has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diffuse large B cell lymphoma, prostate cancer.

Diffuse large b cell lymphoma

1. Oncology reports

Prostate cancer

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines