Myrrhis odorata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known as Myrrhis odorata, exhibits a specific distribution across the northern reaches of Europe. Its presence can be documented throughout several regions of Northern Europe, including Denmark and Finland. The species is also found inhabiting the rugged landscapes of Iceland and the Faroe Islands (Føroyaar). Furthermore, its range extends into the territories of Great Britain. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Myrrhis odorata is characterized by its preference for transitional environmental zones, specifically thriving within forest edges and open meadows. In these habitats, the plant benefits from the mosaic of light and shade provided by the proximity to woodland margins, allowing it to access sufficient solar radiation while avoiding the intense desiccation of fully exposed landscapes. This positioning within ecotones enables the species to exploit the nutrient-rich, moist soils often found at the interface of forested areas and grassland communities. By occupying these specific niches, Myrrhis odorata effectively utilizes the increased biodiversity and resource availability typical of edge effects, which supports its growth patterns and reproductive success within its natural range.

Habitat :

forest edges, meadows

Life history

The life history of Myrrhis odorata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, typically protected by leaf litter or soil cover during dormant periods. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage annually as it transitions through its seasonal growth stages.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Myrrhis odorata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This species is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it maintains an independent lifestyle rather than acting as a parasite. In terms of its habitat and ecological positioning, it is strictly terrestrial, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic characteristics. The plant typically reaches a mean height of approximately 0.883 m, though its stature can vary significantly, with individual specimens ranging from a minimum height of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1.2 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.2 m

Plant height mean:

0.883 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Myrrhis odorata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying on soil-based nutrient uptake rather than the capture of prey. Its vegetative morphology is defined by a mean leaf size of 1425.26 cm², and it possesses a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 392.25 cm²/g, reflecting the relationship between its leaf surface area and its dry mass density.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

1425.26 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

392.25 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Myrrhis odorata is characterized by a sexual cycle that relies on biotic pollination mechanisms. The flowering period typically begins in May and concludes in July, during which the plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome specifically involving insects, with bees acting as a primary pollinator. Within its reproductive biology, self-fertilization is present, ensuring reproductive success even under varying environmental conditions. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with a relatively consistent mass; the mean seed mass is approximately 0.0385 g, with values ranging from a minimum of 0.03501 g to a maximum of 0.04118 g. Once mature, these seeds are dispersed via an anemochorous syndrome, utilizing the wind for distribution. Notably, asexual reproduction is absent in this species, making its population persistence dependent on its sexual reproductive processes.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.04118 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0385004165 g

Seed mass min:

0.03501 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Myrrhis odorata has 33 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ALPHA-PINENE, ANETHOLE, Allo-Aromadendrene, Alpha terpinene, Anisaldehyde.

ALPHA-PINENE

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ANETHOLE

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Allo-Aromadendrene

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Alpha terpinene

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Anisaldehyde

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Apigenin 7-O-glucoside

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BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

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BETA-PINENE

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BETA-SELINENE

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COSMOSIIN

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Activities

Myrrhis odorata has 144 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Acaricide.

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

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ACE-Inhibitor

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AChE-Inhibitor

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Abortifacient

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Acaricide

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Acidulant

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Allelopathic

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Allergenic

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