Melampyrum arvense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is well-documented in Denmark and Finland. It also grows naturally within the territories of Great Britain and Sweden. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Middle Europe, specifically within Austria. Together, these locations highlight the varied geographical footprint of Melampyrum arvense.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Melampyrum arvense is characterized by its presence across diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, mountains, and steppe environments. This species occupies a specific altitudinal niche, with an elevational range spanning from a minimum of 1200 m AMSL to a maximum of 1500 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest, meadows, mountains, steppe

Life history

The life history of Melampyrum arvense is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire biological cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a therophyte, its life form is defined by completing its development through a temporary vegetative structure that withers away after flowering, leaving only seeds to endure unfavorable conditions. In terms of its physiological persistence, the species exhibits evergreen traits in its developmental strategy, maintaining its functional vitality throughout its active period before the seasonal senescence typical of its lifecycle.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Melampyrum arvense is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It is a terrestrial plant that functions as an obligatory parasite, lacking the independent capacity for full autotrophy. The plant is self-supporting rather than a climber and is categorized as a terrestrial species, lacking any aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species with a plant height that ranges from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.5 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 0.308 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height mean:

0.308 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Melampyrum arvense is characterized by distinct morphological and metabolic adaptations that influence its resource acquisition and photosynthetic efficiency. The plant exhibits a mean leaf size of 4.5 cm², a metric that reflects its structural investment in light interception. It is classified as non-carnivorous, relying on traditional autotrophic processes and soil-based nutrient uptake rather than the capture of prey for nitrogen or phosphorus. Furthermore, the plant possesses a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 293.6 cm²/g, indicating a moderate leaf thickness and density that balances the metabolic costs of maintaining leaf tissue with the necessity of maximizing surface area for gas exchange and solar energy absorption.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

4.5 cm²

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

293.6 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Melampyrum arvense is driven by a sexual process, as asexual reproduction is absent in this species. The flowering period typically begins in June and extends through July. The pollination process is biotic, primarily relying on an insect pollination syndrome with a specific focus on bees. While self-fertilization is present, ensuring reproductive success, the plant also utilizes these insect vectors to facilitate genetic exchange. Following successful fertilization, the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule. This fruit is dehiscent, meaning it opens at maturity to release its seeds. The seeds themselves are quite small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.0140915 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.01228 g to a maximum of 0.01585 g. Dispersal is achieved through zoochorous mechanisms, specifically utilizing myrmecocory, where seeds are dispersed by ants, to facilitate the colonization of new habitats.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

myrmecochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit type :

capsule

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.01585 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0140915 g

Seed mass min:

0.01228 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Melampyrum arvense has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aucubin.

Aucubin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Melampyrum arvense has 19 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidote (Amanitin), Antiedemic, Antiinflammatory, Antileukemic.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antidote (Amanitin)

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiprolactin

1. Dr. Duke

Antistaphylococcic

1. Dr. Duke

Candidicide

1. Dr. Duke

Cathartic

1. Dr. Duke