Elsholtzia kachinensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Elsholtzia kachinensis var. petiolata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Elsholtzia kachinensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Lamiaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Elsholtzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across several specific regions in Asia. Within China, it is primarily located in the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its distribution extends into the Indo-China peninsula, where it can be found growing in Myanmar. Additionally, the species is native to the tropical landscapes of Thailand. Finally, its presence is also well-documented throughout the various regions of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elsholtzia kachinensis is defined by its preference for specific montane environments, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche within its native habitat. This species thrives within a specialized elevational range, typically occurring at altitudes starting from 1200 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2800 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an adaptation to temperate or subtropical montane climates, where it can navigate the varying temperature gradients and moisture availability characteristic of mid-to-high elevation zones. By occupying this specific altitudinal belt, the plant interacts with unique soil compositions and microclimates that support its physiological requirements and medicinal potency.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Elsholtzia kachinensis is characterized by a perennial developmental strategy, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte due to its woody structure, though its survival mechanisms in certain environmental stressors align with the characteristics of a hemicryptophyte. As a woody deciduous species, its life cycle involves a robust vegetative phase where its buds are elevated above the ground level, ensuring survival through seasonal shifts. Within the classification of its life forms, it exhibits traits associated with a hemicryptophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located at the soil surface or just below it, allowing for regeneration following dormant periods. This dual nature of its life history—combining the structural height of a phanerophyte with the regenerative resilience typical of a hemicryptophyte—enables the plant to navigate seasonal transitions, maintaining a stable presence in its ecosystem through successive growth cycles.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Elsholtzia kacchinensis is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting plant, functioning as a non-climbing species that does not rely on other structures for vertical ascent, thus classified as a self-supporting form rather than an obligatory, facultative, or self-supporting climber. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining an independent life cycle without the need for a host. Furthermore, it is a strictly terrestrial plant, lacking any epiphytic tendencies, and exists entirely as a terrestrial species rather than an obligatory, facultative, or epiphytic organism.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Elsholtzia kachinensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CARVONE, Dehydroelsholtzia ketone.

CARVONE

1. Journal of oleo science

Dehydroelsholtzia ketone

1. Journal of oleo science

Preparations

Elsholtzia kachinensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil (EO).

Essential oil (eo)

1. Journal of oleo science