Lycoris longituba

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Amaryllidaceae and the genus Lycoris. Specifically, its scientific name is Lycoris longituba.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Lycoris longituba, possesses a very specific and limited natural range. Its primary geographical distribution is concentrated within the region of Southeast China. Within this territory, it thrives in the unique environmental conditions found in the southeastern provinces. Because it is localized to this area, it is considered a regional species rather than a global one. Consequently, understanding its habitat in Southeast China is essential for its study and conservation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Lycoris longituba is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a perennial herb that undergoes seasonal dormancy. Classified biologically as a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs—specifically fleshy bulbs—to endure unfavorable environmental conditions and periods of senescence. This classification as a geophyte, which also falls under the broader category of a cryptophyte, indicates that its vital regenerative buds are protected beneath the soil surface, shielded from extreme temperatures and herbivory. Throughout its life cycle, the plant exhibits a distinct phenological pattern where the foliage and reproductive structures emerge from the subterranean bulbs in response to seasonal cues, only to retreat back into the soil once the life cycle stage is complete, ensuring long-term persistence through its protected underground structures.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lycoris longituba is characterized by its distinct growth habit and ecological positioning. It is a self-supporting plant, exhibiting a non-climbing structure that remains upright through its own mechanical strength rather than requiring external support. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host. Furthermore, it is strictly terrestrial in its life cycle, growing directly in the soil as a ground-dwelling species rather than existing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lycoris longituba has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root.

Leaf

1. Frontiers in plant science

Root

1. Frontiers in plant science

Chemicals

Lycoris longituba has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 11-Hydroxyvittatine, 4'-O-Methylnorbelladine, Crinine, Narciclasine, Norbelladine.

11-Hydroxyvittatine

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

4'-O-Methylnorbelladine

1. Frontiers in plant science

Crinine

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

Narciclasine

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

Norbelladine

1. Frontiers in plant science

Pancracine

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

Squamigine

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

galanthamine

1. Frontiers in plant science

lycorine

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

Conditions

Lycoris longituba has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease

1. Frontiers in plant science

Preparations

Lycoris longituba has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Bulbs.

Bulbs

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