Ligularia caloxantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Senecillis caloxantha
• Senecio caloxanthus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Ligularia caloxantha, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and falls under the genus Ligularia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a specific species known to inhabit particular regions within East Asia. Its documented geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in China. More specifically, it is found within the South-Central parts of the country. This localized range suggests that the species thrives in the unique environmental conditions of that area. Consequently, understanding this specific territory is essential for the conservation of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ligularia caloxanthas is defined by its distribution across significant altitudinal gradients within montane ecosystems. This species occupies a broad elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1600 m AMSL. It thrives across various mountain strata, reaching an average elevation of 2700 m AMSL, and is capable of colonizing high-altitude habitats up to a maximum elevation of 3800 m AMSL. This wide vertical distribution suggests an adaptability to diverse temperature regimes and varying atmospheric pressures characteristic of high-elevation environments.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ligularia caloxantha is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its developmental cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it establishes a robust structural foundation that supports repeated vegetative growth and reproductive efforts over time. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to endure varying environmental conditions and accumulate sufficient energy reserves to sustain its physiological processes and flowering phases across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ligularia caloxantha is characterized by its growth form as a herb, presenting a non-woody structure throughout its development. While it possesses a herbaceous habit, the plant exhibits a self-supporting climbing mechanism, allowing it to extend its growth without requiring external structural support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of Ligularia caloxanthas is characterized by significant morphological variability in its foliar structures, which play a critical role in its metabolic processes and photosynthetic efficiency. The leaf dimensions exhibit a wide range of growth patterns, with mean leaf lengths typically reaching approximately 10 cm, though individual specimens vary from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum length of 14 cm. This longitudinal variation is accompanied by substantial fluctuations in leaf width, which are essential for optimizing light interception and gas exchange. Specifically, the leaf width spans from a minimum of 8 cm to a maximum of 18 cm, reflecting a highly adaptive surface area capable of supporting the plant's nutritional and physiological requirements. These dimensional parameters suggest a robust capacity for biomass accumulation and environmental adaptation through the regulation of leaf expansion and surface area dynamics.

Leaf length max:

14 cm

Leaf length mean:

10 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

18 cm

Leaf width min:

8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ligularia caloxantha 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 root.

Root

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Ligularia caloxantha has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,2,4-trimethyl-7,8-dimethoxy-dibenzofuran, Euparin, Gummosogenin, Lupeol, STIGMASTEROL.

1,2,4-trimethyl-7,8-dimethoxy-dibenzofuran

1. Natural product research

Euparin

1. Natural product research

Gummosogenin

1. Natural product research

Lupeol

1. Natural product research

STIGMASTEROL

1. Natural product research