Yellow gentian lily

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Yellow gentian lily

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Gentiana stylophora
• Gentiana stylophora subsp. yunnanensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Megacodon stylophorus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Gentianaceae and is characterized by its placement in the genus Megacodon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of Asia. Within China, it is primarily found in the South-Central regions as well as the Tibet plateau. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it grows in the East Himalaya area. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the country of Nepal. Collectively, these locations define the natural habitat of Megacodon stylophorus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Megacodon stylophorus is strictly defined by its high-altitude habitat, as it is specialized to thrive within specific montane or alpine environmental zones. This species occupies a significant vertical distribution, ranging from a minimum elevation of 3000 m AMSL to a maximum of 4400 m AMSL. Throughout its natural range, the plant is most commonly found at a mean elevation of 3700 m AMSL, suggesting that its optimal physiological conditions and reproductive success are most closely aligned with the climatic parameters characteristic of this mid-to-high altitude belt.

Elevational range max:

4400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Megacodon stylophorus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it survives for multiple years throughout its developmental stages. As a perennial species, it avoids the rapid completion of a single life cycle seen in annuals, instead establishing a long-term presence in its habitat through repeated seasonal growth cycles. This longevity allows the plant to undergo various physiological phases over several years, contributing to its sustained existence and ability to reproduce across different growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Megacodon stylophorus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. This terrestrial plant exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit rather than being an epiphyte. In terms of stature, it reaches a maximum height of 0.6 m, with an average plant height of approximately 0.45 m, while the minimum recorded height is 0.3 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.45 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of the foliage in Megacodon stylophorus exhibit significant morphological variability, particularly concerning the dimensions of its leaves. The leaf length demonstrates a broad developmental range, with minimum measurements recorded at 7 cm and a mean length of 14.5 cm, reaching a maximum capacity of 22 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation is a distinct width profile, where leaf width ranges from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 7 cm, maintaining an average width of 5 cm. These quantitative variations in leaf surface area suggest a flexible physiological adaptation in canopy structure, allowing the plant to optimize light interception and gas exchange through its diverse leaf dimensions.

Leaf length max:

22 cm

Leaf length mean:

14.5 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

7 cm

Leaf width mean:

5 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Megacodon stylophorus culminates in the development of its characteristic fruits, which exhibit specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length within this species demonstrates a measurable range, with the smallest recorded instances measuring 5 cm. On average, the fruit length maintains a mean value of 5.5 cm, while the most substantial specimens can reach a maximum length of 6 cm.

Fruit length max:

6 cm

Fruit length mean:

5.5 cm

Fruit length min:

5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Megacodon stylophorus has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative.

Antimicrobial

1. Planta medica

Antiproliferative

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Megacodon stylophorus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract of the whole plant.

Ethanol extract of the whole plant

1. Planta medica