Eremurus chinensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Asphodelus bonatii
• Henningia chinensis

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 Asparagales, it is classified under the family Asphodelaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Eremurus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several key regions in Asia. Within the country of China, it is widely documented to grow throughout the South-Central provinces. Additionally, its natural habitat extends into the North-Central territories of China. The species also maintains a significant distribution within the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. Together, these locations define the primary ecological range of Eremurus chinensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eremurus chinensis is characterized by its adaptation to specific montane environments, where it occupies a broad vertical distribution across various altitudinal gradients. The species is typically found inhabiting mid-to-high altitude terrains, with an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 2900 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to thrive in diverse microclimates within these mountain systems. On average, the plant flourishes at a mean elevation of 1950 m AMSL, a zone that likely provides the optimal balance of temperature, moisture, and light intensity required for its growth and reproductive cycles.

Elevational range max:

2900 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1950 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Eremurus chinensis is characterized by its classification as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This life strategy relies on specialized underground storage organs, typically in the form of fleshy, tuberous roots, which allow the plant to survive periods of environmental stress, such as extreme temperatures or seasonal drought. By sequestering nutrients and moisture in these subterranean structures, the plant can remain dormant during unfavorable conditions and rapidly initiate growth when optimal environmental cues arise. This geophytic nature ensures that the vital regenerative parts of the plant are protected beneath the soil surface, facilitating a perennial life cycle that can withstand the climatic fluctuations typical of its natural habitat.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eremurus chinensis is characterized by its stature and growth habit, typically functioning as a self-supporting plant. It reaches a mean height of approximately 0.9 m, with individual specimens varying in size between a minimum of 0.6 m and a maximum of 1.2 m. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently in the soil rather than acting as an epiphyte or a parasite.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.2 m

Plant height mean:

0.9 m

Plant height min:

0.6 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Eremurus chinensis culminates in the development of distinctive fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. These fruits are characterized by a relatively uniform shape, where the measurements for both length and width fall within a narrow range. On average, the fruits maintain a mean length of 0.8 cm and a mean width of 0.8 cm. The variation in size is minimal, with the smallest recorded dimensions for both fruit length and fruit width being 0.7 cm, while the maximum dimensions reach up to 0.9 cm for both length and width. This consistent sizing indicates a standardized reproductive output across the plant's fruiting bodies.

Fruit length max:

0.9 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.8 cm

Fruit length min:

0.7 cm

Fruit width max:

0.9 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.8 cm

Fruit width min:

0.7 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Eremurus chinensis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chrysophanol, 2-acetyl-1-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-methylnaphthalene, Aloesaponol III 8-methyl ether, Chrysophanol 8-methyl ether, 2-acetyl-1,8-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene.

Chrysophanol

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products
3. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

2-acetyl-1-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-methylnaphthalene

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Aloesaponol III 8-methyl ether

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Chrysophanol 8-methyl ether

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

2-acetyl-1,8-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene

1. Dr. Duke

Aloesaponol III

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Daucosterol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Phthalic acid dibutyl ester

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Activities

Eremurus chinensis has 10 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Calcium-Antagonist, Candidicide, Cathartic.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antiseptic

1. Dr. Duke

Calcium-Antagonist

1. Dr. Duke

Candidicide

1. Dr. Duke

Cathartic

1. Dr. Duke

Hemostat

1. Dr. Duke

Pesticide

1. Dr. Duke

Pigment

1. Dr. Duke

Purgative

1. Dr. Duke

Termitifuge

1. Dr. Duke