Lepechinia meyenii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alguelagum clinopodiodes
• Sphacele meyenii
• Sphacele tenuiflora
• Alguelagum tenuiflorum
• Sphacele clinopodioides
• Stachys meyenii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, specifically within the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lepechinia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Western South America. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of both Bolivia and Peru. Its range also extends into the southern regions of the continent. In Argentina, the species is located within the northeastern parts of the country. Additionally, it inhabits the northwestern areas of Argentina as well.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lepechinia meyenii is characterized by its distribution within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche in the landscape. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, typically occurring at altitudes starting from 1500 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Such a broad altitudinal gradient suggests an ability to adapt to varying environmental pressures, ranging from the temperate conditions of mid-elevation slopes to the more extreme, high-alpine conditions found at its upper limits. This distribution pattern indicates that the plant is well-suited to the unique microclimates, soil compositions, and moisture regimes found within these specific Andean or montane ecological zones.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lepechinia meyenii is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the majority of the plant's photosynthetic organs are located close to the soil surface, often protected by a layer of litter or substrate. This chamaphyte designation applies across its developmental stages, defining its ability to survive through seasonal changes by maintaining its vital parts near the ground level.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lepechinia meyenii is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is categorized as a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic species. In terms of its physical habit, the plant is self-supporting, meaning it does not function as an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit epiphytic behavior such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. Instead, it maintains a stable, terrestrial existence with a non-woody composition throughout its vegetative structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lepechinia meyenii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carnosic acid, Rosmanol, carnosol.

Carnosic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rosmanol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

carnosol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Lepechinia meyenii has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimutagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Lepechinia meyenii has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Enterococcus faecalis, MRSA, bacterial infections, inflammation, pain.

Enterococcus faecalis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Mrsa

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Bacterial infections

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Revista peruana de medicina experimental y salud publica

Preparations

Lepechinia meyenii has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include cell suspension system.

Cell suspension system

1. Chemistry & biodiversity