Siberian wildrye

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Siberian wildrye

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Triticum arktasianum
• Elymus tener
• Elymus yesoensis
• Clinelymus sibiricus
• Elymus sibiricus var. brachystachys
• Elymus sibiricus var. erectiusculus
• Elymus ramosus
• Elymus praetervisus
• Elymus pendulosus
• Elymus krascheninnikovii
• Hordeum sibiricum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, it is further categorized under the family Poaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Elymus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Germany. Its presence extends significantly into Eastern Europe, where it inhabits Belarus and the Baltic States. The species is also widely distributed throughout East European Russia. Finally, its range reaches further north into the territories of North European Russia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elymus sibiricus is primarily defined by its preference for open, sun-exposed environments, specifically thriving within the diverse community of meadows. In these grassland habitats, the plant plays a functional role in the stabilization of soil and the maintenance of vegetative cover. Its presence in meadow ecosystems suggests an adaptation to moderate moisture levels and competitive biotic interactions common in herbaceous communities. By occupying these open landscapes, Elymus sibiricus contributes to the structural complexity of the meadow, participating in nutrient cycling and providing essential forage and cover within its specific ecological niche.

Habitat :

meadows

Life history

The life history of Elymus sibiricus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, the species is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, typically protected by leaf litter or accumulated organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This growth habit enables the plant to withstand seasonal variations and re-emerge effectively from its dormant state each year.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elymus sibiricus is characterized by a graminoid growth form, functioning as a non-woody herb. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat and functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing or vine-like behavior. In terms of stature, the plant displays variable height, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.45 m to a maximum of 1.1 m, with an average plant height of approximately 0.91 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

graminoid

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.1 m

Plant height mean:

0.91 m

Plant height min:

0.45 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elymus sibiricus is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework designed for survival in temperate and often harsh environments. A fundamental aspect of its metabolic processes is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes the C3 pathway to facilitate carbon fixation. Through this C3 mechanism, the plant employs the enzyme Rubisco to incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This physiological trait influences the plant's water-use efficiency and its ability to manage gas exchange under varying light intensities and temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, its physiological resilience is supported by robust root systems and adaptive cellular responses that allow it to maintain metabolic homeostasis despite environmental stressors.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elymus sibiricus is characterized by its sexual reproductive strategy, utilizing bisexual flowers to facilitate pollination. The flowering period typically commences in June and extends through July. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds with a mean mass of approximately 0.004124 g. The dispersal of these seeds is primarily driven by an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are adapted for dispersal via wind.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass mean:

0.004124 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Elymus sibiricus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4-D, KT.

2,4-D

1. Zhi wu sheng li yu fen zi sheng wu xue xue bao = Journal of plant physiology and molecular biology

KT

1. Zhi wu sheng li yu fen zi sheng wu xue xue bao = Journal of plant physiology and molecular biology