Helichrysum pedunculatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 ordered under Asterales and falls into the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Helichrysum, with the species name pedunculatum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa. Its natural range extends across the various regions of the Cape Provinces. Additionally, the species can be located within the mountainous terrain of Lesotho. It also inhabits parts of the Free State province. These specific locations define the primary geographical distribution of Helichrysum pedunculatum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Helichrysum pedunculatum is defined by its ability to inhabit a broad vertical distribution within its native landscape, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying altitudinal gradients. This species thrives across a diverse range of terrains, occupying habitats from low-lying areas at an elevation of 30 m AMSL up to higher montane or sub-montane regions reaching a maximum of 1525 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of tolerating a variety of microclimates, ranging from warmer, more humid lowland conditions to the cooler, potentially more exposed environments found at higher altitudes. Such ecological plasticity allows it to colonize multiple ecological niches, likely influencing its distribution patterns across different soil types and moisture regimes found within these shifting elevation zones.

Elevational range max:

1525 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

30 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Helichrysum pedunculatum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and undergoes repeated growth cycles throughout its existence. As a long-lived species, it establishes a stable presence within its ecological niche, often relying on robust root systems to survive through various seasonal shifts. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single season or biennials that require two years to flower, this perennial species maintains its biological functions over multiple years, allowing it to accumulate resources and adapt to its specific environmental conditions over time.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Helichrysum pedunculatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a herb and a forb. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing behavior and functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies. It is a terrestrial plant, lacking aquatic or epiphytic lifestyles. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small specimen, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Helichrysum pedunculatum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Helichrysum pedunculatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linoleic acid, oleic acid.

linoleic acid

1. Fitoterapia

oleic acid

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Helichrysum pedunculatum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane extract of leaves of Helicrysum pedunculatum.

Dichloromethane extract of leaves of helicrysum pedunculatum

1. Fitoterapia