Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acanthopanax leucorrhizus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales, falling into the family Araliaceae. Ultimately, the medicinal species is identified by the genus Eleutherococcus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within several key regions of China. It can be found growing throughout the China South-Central area, where local climates support its development. Additionally, its range extends into the China North-Central territories. The species is also documented to inhabit parts of China Southeast. Consequently, these three distinct regions define the primary natural habitat for Eleutherococcus leucorrhizuus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus is characterized by its adaptation to specific montane and subalpine environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche within its native habitats. This species thrives across a significant altitudinal gradient, establishing itself in mountainous terrains at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum of 3700 m AMSL. Such a broad elevational range suggests a high degree of environmental plasticity, allowing the plant to endure varying climatic conditions, from the temperate influences of lower montane zones to the more extreme, harsh conditions found near the upper limits of its distribution. Its presence within these specific altitude brackets indicates a preference for well-drained slopes and forest margins where it can balance the requirements for light availability and moisture retention characteristic of these high-altitude ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form defined by the positioning of its perennating buds well above the soil surface on woody stems. Within the broader spectrum of plant life forms, it functions as a perennial woody shrub that establishes a robust structural presence in its natural habitat. While the species primarily exhibits a phanerophyte life strategy to survive seasonal environmental shifts, its developmental architecture can occasionally reflect variations in height and density, though it fundamentally lacks the characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, chamaephyte, hemicryptophyte, geophyte, hydrophyte, helophyte, therophyte, or lithophyte. Through its perennial cycle, the plant focuses on the maintenance of woody tissues and the seasonal development of foliage and reproductive structures, ensuring long-term survival through its elevated bud protection.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite, establishing itself as a terrestrial plant within its natural habitat. While it exhibits a structured, upright habit, its physical architecture can be described as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its woody stems to maintain its stature in the environment.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Linalool, P-CYMENE, Spathulenol, cis-Sabinene hydrate.

Linalool

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

P-CYMENE

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Spathulenol

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

cis-Sabinene hydrate

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Activities

Eleutherococcus leucorrhizus has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Cytotoxic

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Preparations