Ligularia dentata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain and Sweden. Its presence extends into Middle Europe, specifically within the borders of Germany. Within Asia, the species is well-established across various parts of China. Specifically, it inhabits both the North-Central and South-Central regions of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ligularia dentata is closely defined by its specific altitudinal distribution, which allows it to inhabit diverse montane environments. This species typically thrives across a broad elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 650 m AMSL to a maximum of 3200 m AMSL. Within this ecological niche, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1925 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-to-high altitude habitats where moisture and temperature regimes are conducive to its growth. This wide elevational range indicates a high degree of adaptability to varying atmospheric pressures and climatic conditions found within mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1925 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

650 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ligularia dentata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural life form, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, meaning its perennable buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This life history strategy enables the species to establish stable populations in its preferred habitats, utilizing its perennial nature to re-emerge and thrive seasonally.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ligularia dentata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This self-supporting plant does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit any parasitic or epiphytic behavior, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence. It grows in a range of habitats spanning aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.6 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ligularia dentata is characterized by a highly variable vegetative structure, particularly regarding its foliar development and photosynthetic surface area. The plant exhibits significant morphological plasticity in its leaf dimensions, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 30 cm, maintaining a mean length of approximately 18.5 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by substantial lateral expansion, as evidenced by leaf widths that fluctuate between a minimum of 12 cm and a maximum of 38 cm. Such extensive leaf surface area facilitates robust light interception and gas exchange, supporting the metabolic demands of the species through efficient carbon assimilation.

Leaf length max:

30 cm

Leaf length mean:

18.5 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

38 cm

Leaf width min:

12 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ligularia dentata is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the development of distinct fruit structures. The plant enters its flowering phase in July and continues through August, marking its peak reproductive period during the height of summer. Following pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit measurable variation in size. The fruit length typically ranges from a minimum of 0.7 cm to a maximum of 1 cm, with the average fruit length recorded at approximately 0.85 cm.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.85 cm

Fruit length min:

0.7 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ligularia dentata 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. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Preparations

Ligularia dentata has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fresh EtOH extract, roots.

Fresh etoh extract

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Roots

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials