Eleutherococcus brachypus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eleutherococcus obovatus
• Eleutherococcus brachypus var. omeiensis
• Acanthopanax brachypus
• Acanthopanax obovatus

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 Apiales, it is classified under the family Araliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Eleutherococcus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the territory of China. Its primary distribution can be found across the vast landscapes of Inner Mongolia. Additionally, it occurs naturally throughout the China North-Central region. These specific geographical areas define its natural habitat and ecological range. Consequently, the species is localized to these particular northern and central Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Eleutherococcus brachypus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to persist through unfavorable seasons as a perennial shrub. Within the broader spectrum of growth habits, its development can be influenced by environmental stressors and microclimates, occasionally exhibiting traits consistent with a nanophanerophyte depending on the height of its woody structures and the degree of seasonal pruning by external factors. This plant follows a perennial life cycle, establishing robust woody architecture that facilitates long-term survival in its natural habitat. Through its phanerophyte life form, it maintains its structural integrity and reproductive capacity over multiple years, utilizing its elevated buds to withstand environmental fluctuations.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eleutherococcus brachypus is characterized by its growth habit as a woody plant that exhibits a self-supporting climbing mechanism. Although it functions as a climber, it is classified as a self-supporting entity rather than an obligatory or facultative vine that relies on external structures for its primary stability. The species is entirely independent in its nutritional requirements, functioning as a non-parasitic organism that does not derive nutrients from a host. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial plant, maintaining its biological processes within the soil-based ecosystem rather than living as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eleutherococcus brachypus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

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

Chemicals

Eleutherococcus brachypus has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE, CAMPHENE, Germacrene D, HEPTANOIC ACID, Linalool.

ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE

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

CAMPHENE

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Germacrene D

1. Journal of chromatographic science

HEPTANOIC ACID

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

Linalool

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Monoterpenes

1. Journal of chromatographic science

P-CYMENE

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Sesquiterpenes

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Spathulenol

1. Journal of chromatographic science

VERBENONE

1. Journal of chromatographic science

Preparations