Halogeton glomeratus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the Eurasian continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is documented within the borders of Germany. Moving eastward, the species can be found throughout East European Russia as well as South European Russia. The distribution extends significantly into the Siberian region, specifically within the Altay area. Finally, its range reaches further into Siberia, where it is also located in Krasnoyarsk.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Halogeton glomeratus is characterized by its adaptation to specialized environments, primarily occupying mountains, saline places, and steppe landscapes. This species demonstrates a specific altitudinal preference, thriving within a high-altitude elevational range that begins at 2400 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2900 m AMSL. Its ability to colonize these diverse and often harsh terrains, including salt-affected soils and open steppe ecosystems, highlights its niche specialization within montane and semi-arid habitats.

Elevational range max:

2900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2400 m AMSL

Habitat :

mountains, saline places, steppe

Life history

The life history of Halogeton glomeratus is characterized by its classification as an annual species, meaning it completes its entire developmental cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. As an annual, the plant relies heavily on a robust seed bank to ensure survival across unfavorable years, typically germinating following significant precipitation events. Its physiological state is defined by its deciduousness, as it lacks persistent foliage and sheds its components as it approaches the end of its short life cycle. This rapid progression from seedling to mature plant allows it to exploit transient moisture in arid and semi-arid environments before the onset of extreme heat or drought.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Halogeton glomeratus is characterized by a growth form classified as a non-woody herb and a forb. This species is a self-supporting plant, lacking any climbing or liana-like tendencies, and functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence despite its capacity to exist within aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial habitats. The plant is relatively small in stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.03 m to a maximum of 0.4 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.03 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Halogeton glomeratus is characterized by a highly efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway, allowing the plant to optimize carbon fixation and minimize photorespiration in arid environments. Morphologically, the plant features ovate leaf forms that are designed for structural efficiency without the need for defensive appendages, as it possesses no leaf thorns and no leaf spines. Furthermore, the leaf margins are entirely smooth, contributing to its distinct physiological profile and adaptation to its specific ecological niche.

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Reproduction

The reproduction of Halogeton glomeratus is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically begins in July and continues through the month of August. This relatively brief period of anthesis is critical for the plant's ability to produce seeds, which are essential for its propagation within its natural habitat.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Halogeton glomeratus has 4 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, seed, stem.

Leaf

1. Frontiers in plant science

Root

1. Frontiers in plant science

Seed

1. Frontiers in plant science

Stem

1. Frontiers in plant science

Conditions

Halogeton glomeratus has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancers, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease.

Cancers

1. Frontiers in plant science

Cardiovascular diseases

1. Frontiers in plant science

Heart disease

1. Frontiers in plant science