Inula hupehensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Inula helianthus-aquatilis subsp. hupehensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, falling within the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Inula, specifically as the species Inula hupehensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within a specific region of East Asia. Its geographical range is concentrated in the South-Central part of China. Within these territories, it thrives in the unique environmental conditions provided by the landscape. Local ecosystems in this area support its natural growth and distribution. Therefore, the presence of Inula hupehensis is most notable across the South-Central Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Inula hupehensis is characterized by its preference for specific montane habitats, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is predominantly found within high-altitude environments, maintaining an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum of 1900 m AMSL. Throughout its natural distribution, the plant thrives most consistently at a mean elevation of approximately 1600 m AMSL, suggesting that these mid-to-high mountain belts provide the optimal climatic and environmental conditions necessary for its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Inula hupehensis is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it survives for multiple years throughout its existence. As a perennial, the plant undergoes repeated seasonal cycles, establishing a robust root system that allows it to persist through various environmental conditions and regrow during successive growing seasons. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to invest energy into complex structural development and sustained reproductive efforts over several years, rather than completing its biological cycle within a single season.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Inula hupehensis is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative body. As a climbing plant, it functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its herbaceous stems to navigate its environment.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Inula hupehensis is characterized by distinct morphological variations in leaf dimensions that reflect its vegetative growth patterns. The leaf length exhibits significant plasticity, with a minimum measurement of 6 cm and an average length of 8 cm, reaching a maximum potential of 10 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 2.5 cm, establishing a specific aspect ratio essential for its photosynthetic efficiency and surface area regulation. These dimensional parameters indicate a controlled expansion of the lamina, where the interplay between length and width supports the plant's metabolic requirements and environmental adaptation.

Leaf length max:

10 cm

Leaf length mean:

8 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

2.5 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Inula hupehensis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bigelovin, Ergolide, Germacrene A acid, Inunolide.

Bigelovin

1. Planta medica

Ergolide

1. Planta medica

Germacrene A acid

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology

Inunolide

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology

Activities

Inula hupehensis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Planta medica