Fritillaria maximowiczii
Fritillaria maximowiczii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a distinctive perennial plant recognized primarily for its striking, bell-shaped flowers. This species is most commonly cultivated and utilized through its specialized bulb preparations. Chemically, the plant is notable for containing specific alkaloids such as 23-Isokuroyurinidine and Kuroyurinidine. These complex compounds contribute to the unique biological profile that distinguishes it from other members of the Liliales order. Understanding its chemical makeup and growth habits offers valuable insight into its role in both natural ecosystems and traditional botanical studies.
- Synonyms
- Fritillaria Maximowiczii F. Flaviflora
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a unique botanical species known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as Maximowicz's fritillary. Its linguistic reach extends into Russia, where it is commonly called Рябчик Максимовича, and into Japan, where it is known as イチリンバイモ. The plant also carries the specific common name Maximowiczi püvilill and is identified as lun ye bei mu in certain contexts. These varied designations highlight the global interest and widespread recognition of this elegant flowering plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a distinctive botanical species often recognized for its unique elegance. Within taxonomic records, this plant is also associated with the synonym Fritillaria maximowiczii f. flaviflora. This variation highlights specific morphological traits that distinguish certain forms of the species. Understanding these nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification in both wild and cultivated settings. Consequently, recognizing these synonymous links ensures clarity for botanists and gardeners alike.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a distinct member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Liliales. Within this structural hierarchy, it is further categorized into the family Liliaceae. It is specifically identified by its membership in the genus Fritillaria. Through these various taxonomic levels, the plant's unique biological relationships are clearly defined.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural habitat spans significant portions of China, including the north-central provinces, Inner Mongolia, and Manchuria. Beyond Chinese borders, the plant thrives in the Russian Far East, specifically within the Amur and Khabarovsk regions. This wide geographical range highlights the species' ability to adapt to diverse temperate climates across the continent. Understanding these specific locations is essential for studying the plant's ecological niche and conservation needs.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a self-supporting plant that maintains its structure naturally within its environment. This species typically reaches a modest stature, with heights generally ranging between 0.27 m and 0.54 m. While most specimens stay within this bracket, some individual plants may consistently measure around 0.405 m. Such compact growth makes it an ideal selection for various garden landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Fritillaria maximowiczii is a plant species known to possess a diverse array of steroidal alkaloids within its bulbs. Chemical analysis has confirmed that this plant contains the known alkaloid kuroyurinidine. In addition to this existing compound, researchers have successfully isolated and structurally elucidated 23-isokuroyurinidine. The presence of these specific steroidal alkaloids highlights the complex chemical profile inherent to the species. Such findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the phytochemical composition of Fritillaria maximowiczii.
Conditions
Preparations
Fritillaria maximowiczii is prepared as bulbs to facilitate the isolation of specific chemical compounds. Researchers utilize these bulbs to extract various steroidal alkaloids, including the known jerveratrin alkaloid and kuroyurinidine. The bulb preparation also allows for the discovery of new substances such as 23-isokuroyurinidine. Furthermore, complex structures like hapepunine 3-O-beta-cellobioside are identified through the processing of these plant parts. Ultimately, the bulbs serve as the primary source for elucidating the plant's diverse alkaloid profile.