Oenanthe crocata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also documented in Belgium and Germany. Additionally, the plant extends its range into Southwestern Europe, specifically occurring on the island of Corse. These diverse locations highlight its broad ecological footprint across different latitudes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oenanthe crocata is characterized by its occurrence in low-lying coastal and riparian habitats, specifically within a narrow elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 100 m AMSL. This species is typically found in moist, marshy environments, such as salt marshes, damp meadows, and the fringes of water bodies, where it thrives in saturated or periodically inundated soils. Its distribution is closely tied to these lowland hydrological conditions, favoring areas with high soil moisture and nutrient-rich alluvial deposits. The plant's ability to colonize such low-altitude zones allows it to occupy niche ecological spaces where competition from more upland-adapted vegetation is minimized by the constant presence of water.

Elevational range max:

100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Oenanthe crocata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a geophyte, its survival strategy relies on underground storage organs that enable it to endure unfavorable environmental conditions and re-emerge during optimal periods. This life form facilitates its long-term presence within its habitat, ensuring its continued regeneration and persistence within the ecosystem.

Life form :

geophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Oenanthe crocata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, existing as both a forb and a general herb. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its epiphytic status but exhibits a versatile ecological habit, ranging from aquatic to semiaquatic and terrestrial environments. As a self-supporting species, it does not function as a climber or a parasite, maintaining an independent life cycle. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a mean height of 0.75 m, though individual specimens vary significantly, with heights ranging from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1.5 m.

Aquatic :

aquatic

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

0.75 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Oenanthe crocata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a standard carbon fixation method utilized by most temperate herbaceous species. The plant exhibits a mean leaf size of 153.17 cm², contributing to its overall canopy structure and light interception capabilities. In terms of nutritional strategy, it is classified as a non-carnivorous organism, relying on soil-based nutrient uptake rather than the capture of prey. Furthermore, its leaf morphology and resource allocation are reflected in a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 416 cm²/g, indicating a relatively thin leaf structure optimized for efficient light harvesting and gas exchange.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

153.17 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

416 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Oenanthe crocata is characterized by a sexual reproductive cycle, as asexual reproduction is noted to be absent. The flowering period for this species occurs primarily during the summer months, with flowering starting in June and concluding in July. The plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds with a very consistent mass, ranging from a minimum of 0.00345 g to a maximum of 0.00346 g, with a mean seed mass of approximately 0.003456 g. For the distribution of its offspring, the species employs a hydrochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning the seeds are dispersed via water.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.00346 g

Seed mass mean:

0.003456 g

Seed mass min:

0.00345 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Oenanthe crocata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Apiole, Myristicin, Oenanthetol, mannitol, pectic acid.

Apiole

1. Dr. Duke

Myristicin

1. Dr. Duke

Oenanthetol

1. Dr. Duke

mannitol

1. Dr. Duke

pectic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Oenanthe crocata has 56 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Allergenic, Amphetaminagenic, Analgesic, Anesthetic.

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Amphetaminagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiReye's

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Antidepressant

1. Dr. Duke

Antidysmenorrheic

1. Dr. Duke