Yellow-Spotted White Saxifrage

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Yellow-Spotted White Saxifrage

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Saxifraga melanocentra
• Saxifraga sulphurascens
• Saxifraga melanocentra f. angustispathulata
• Saxifraga melanocentra f. franchetiana
• Saxifraga melanocentra f. pluriflora
• Saxifraga atrata var. subcorymbosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Saxifragales, it is a member of the family Saxifragaceae. It is further identified by the genus Micranthes, specifically as the species Micranthes melanocentra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Asia. Within China, it is widely distributed through the South-Central and North-Central territories. Its presence is also noted in the high-altitude areas of Qinghai and Tibet. Furthermore, the species extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the East Himalaya region. Together, these locations define the specific ecological niche where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Micranthes melanocentra is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-alpine environments, where it thrives within a strictly limited vertical niche. This species is primarily found in high-altitude habitats, occupying an elevational range that begins at 3,900 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4,600 m AMSL. Within these extreme altitudinal zones, the plant must contend with intense solar radiation, rapid temperature fluctuations, and potentially short growing seasons typical of alpine tundra or rocky outcrops. Its distribution within this specific 700-meter elevation window suggests a high degree of specialization to the unique soil compositions and climatic conditions present in these subnival or alpine reaches.

Elevational range max:

4600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3900 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Micranthes melanocentra is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative development. As a terrestrial species, it grows directly in the soil rather than inhabiting elevated substrates as an epiphyte. Furthermore, the plant does not exhibit climbing tendencies, maintaining a self-supporting habit that allows it to remain upright without the need for external structural assistance.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Micranthes melanocentra has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bergenin.

bergenin

1. Lipids in health and disease