Ligulariopsis shichuana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae, falling under the specific genus Ligulariopsis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Ligulariopsis shichuana, possesses a very specific and localized range within Asia. Its presence is documented exclusively within the borders of China. More specifically, the species is found inhabiting the North-Central regions of the country. This limited geographical distribution suggests that the plant may require particular environmental conditions found in that area. Consequently, conservation efforts may need to focus on these specific Chinese provinces to protect the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ligulariopsis shichuana is characterized by its specific distribution within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species is primarily found across an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1500 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2100 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal gradient, the plant thrives most consistently at a mean elevation of 1800 m AMSL, suggesting that the environmental conditions—such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability—associated with this middle-tier altitude are optimal for its survival and growth.

Elevational range max:

2100 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ligulariopsis shiuchuana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial plant, it undergoes repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, maintaining its presence in its specific ecological niche over an extended period. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its habitat, contributing to its longevity and ability to endure varying environmental conditions across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ligulariopsis shichuana is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, presenting a non-woody structure throughout its development. As a climbing plant, it functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its herbaceous stems to ascend or maintain its position within its habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of Ligulariopsis shichuana is characterized by significant morphological variability in its foliar structures, which play a critical role in its metabolic processes. The plant exhibits a diverse range of leaf dimensions, where leaf length typically fluctuates with a mean value of 9.25 cm, ranging from a minimum of 5.5 cm to a maximum of 13 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation is a substantial breadth in leaf width, which maintains a mean of 10.5 cm, spanning from a minimum of 6.5 cm to a maximum width of 14.5 cm. These dimensional fluctuations suggest a high degree of plasticity in leaf surface area, likely influencing the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration rates across varying environmental conditions.

Leaf length max:

13 cm

Leaf length mean:

9.25 cm

Leaf length min:

5.5 cm

Leaf width max:

14.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

10.5 cm

Leaf width min:

6.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ligulariopsis shiuchuana is characterized by the development of inflorescences that typically range in length from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.25 m. Following the pollination process, the plant produces fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations, with a mean length of 0.35 cm. These fruits are relatively small, measuring no less than 0.3 cm and reaching a maximum length of 0.4 cm.

Fruit length max:

0.4 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.35 cm

Fruit length min:

0.3 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.25 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.2 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ligulariopsis shichuana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Sesquiterpenes.

Sesquiterpenes

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Ligulariopsis shichuana has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include whole plant.

Whole plant

1. Journal of natural products