Elephantopus carolinianus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Elephantopus scaber var. carolinianus
• Elephantopus flexuosus
• Elephantopus carolinianus f. vestitus
• Elephantopus violaceus
• Elephantopus carolinianus var. violaceus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Elephantopus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within certain regions of the United States. In the North-Central region, it can be found growing in the states of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Additionally, its presence extends into the Northeastern part of the country. Specifically, records indicate that it inhabits the state of Indiana. These locations highlight the localized environmental niches where this medicinal species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Elephantopus carolinianus is characterized by its status as a perennial species, though its growth pattern can exhibit variability depending on environmental conditions and resource availability. As a perennial, the plant is capable of living through multiple growing seasons, often establishing a persistent presence in its habitat through a robust root system. Throughout its life cycle, it undergoes distinct phases of vegetative growth and reproductive maturity, transitioning from the initial establishment of its basal rosette of leaves to the development of its flowering stalks. The longevity and survival of the individual are supported by its ability to persist across different years, allowing it to navigate seasonal fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elephantopus carolinianus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This plant is self-supporting rather than being a climber, maintaining its structure independently. On average, it reaches a plant height of approximately 0.82 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Plant height mean:

0.82 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elephantopus carolinianus is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically commences in August and concludes in September, though the timing can be variable across different seasons. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a highly consistent mass profile; the seed mass mean is recorded at 0.0009485 g, with both the minimum and maximum recorded seed mass values reaching 0.00133 g.

Flowering time :

Aug

Flowering time :

Sep

Seed mass max:

0.00133 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0009485 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Elephantopus carolinianus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Deoxyelephantopin, Isodeoxyelephantopin.

Deoxyelephantopin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Isodeoxyelephantopin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Elephantopus carolinianus has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include bronchitis, cancer, diarrhea, diuresis, dysentery.

Bronchitis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cancer

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Diarrhea

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Diuresis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Dysentery

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Fever

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Inflammation

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Liver diseases

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)