Echinops spinosissimus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, falling into the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Echinops under the specific species name Echinops spinosissimus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated throughout the Mediterranean and Southeastern European regions. It can be found growing in the country of Albania, where it occupies certain ecological niches. The species is also widely documented across Greece, including its presence on the island of Kriti. Furthermore, its range extends to the island of Sicilia, demonstrating its adaptability to these coastal environments. Finally, the plant is located in the European portion of Türkiye, completing its regional distribution pattern.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Echinops spinosissimus is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist across multiple growing seasons. In terms of its botanical life form, it is categorized as a chamaephyte, a growth habit where the majority of the plant's vegetative biomass is located close to or just above the soil surface, often protected by seasonal environmental conditions. This life history strategy enables the species to establish robust presence within its native habitats through long-term survival and recurring reproductive cycles.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Echinops spinosissimus is characterized by a self-supporting growth habit, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. This species is a non-woody herb, specifically categorized as a forb, which lacks any climbing mechanisms. It is a terrestrial plant, adapted to land environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 1.524 meters, maintaining a robust structure throughout its developmental stages.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.524018532 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Echinops spinosissimus is primarily driven by the production of seeds contained within its characteristic globose flower heads. The morphological characteristics of these seeds exhibit a notable range in weight, reflecting biological variability within the species. The seed mass is characterized by a mean value of 0.02402 g, with individual seeds deviating from this average to reach a maximum weight of 0.04105 g and a minimum weight of 0.01471 g. This variation in seed mass is a critical component of its reproductive strategy, influencing dispersal capabilities and the initial resource allocation available to emerging seedlings.

Seed mass max:

0.04105 g

Seed mass mean:

0.02402 g

Seed mass min:

0.01471 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Echinops spinosissimus has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibiotic, Antioxidant.

Antibiotic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Echinops spinosissimus has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cutaneous leishmaniasis, hemorrhoids.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis

1. Acta parasitologica

Hemorrhoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Echinops spinosissimus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts prepared with methanol.

Extracts prepared with methanol

1. Acta parasitologica