Habenaria intermedia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kryptostoma intermedium
• Ochyrorchis intermedia

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Asparagales and the family Orchidaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Habenaria, specifically as the species Habenaria intermedia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several high-altitude regions of Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted within the Tibet region. Moving to the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found in the lush areas of Assam and throughout the East Himalaya. Additionally, the species inhabits the mountainous terrains of Nepal. Finally, its geographical range extends further west into Pakistan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Habenaria intermedia is characterized by its specific niche within montane environments, where it thrives across a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is primarily distributed within high-altitude zones, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1800 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant adapts to the unique climatic conditions typical of mountain ecosystems, including varying levels of moisture, temperature fluctuations, and light availability associated with high-elevation habitats. This specific elevational preference suggests a requirement for the cooler, often more humid conditions found in these mid-to-high montane belts.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Habenaria intermedia is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a specialized organism, it exhibits a life form classified as a geophyte, meaning it relies on underground storage organs to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, its biological structure is categorized as a cryptophyte, ensuring that its vital regenerative parts remain protected beneath the soil surface during periods of dormancy.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Habenaria intermedia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is categorized as a self-supporting clamberer, lacking the obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms found in lianas or vines, which allows it to maintain its posture without external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Habeanaria intermedia is characterized by a distinct seasonal flowering cycle that facilitates its pollination processes. The plant begins its flowering period in May, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. This period of floral activity continues throughout the late spring and summer months, eventually reaching its conclusion in August. This specific window of availability ensures that the plant's reproductive efforts are concentrated within a defined seasonal timeframe.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Habenaria intermedia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Loroglossol.

Loroglossol

1. ACS omega

Preparations

Habenaria intermedia has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. 3 Biotech