ragged evening primrose

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• cut-leaved evening-primrose
• cut-leaf evening-primrose
• Cutleaf Evening-Primrose
• Hairy cutleaf evening-primrose
• cutleaf evening primrose
• evening primrose
• Ragged evening primrose

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oenothera repanda
• Raimannia laciniata
• Onagra sinuata
• Oenothera viscosa
• Oenothera minima
• Oenothera sinuata
• Oenothera sinuata subvar. helleriana

Regional and Traditional Names

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 Myrtyleae, it is further categorized into the family Onagraceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Oenothera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Oenothera laciniaata, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The species is also documented to inhabit the landscapes of Norway. Finally, its geographical range includes the territories of Sweden.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oenothera laciniata is characterized by its preference for open and riparian habitats, where it thrives in environments with sufficient moisture and sunlight. This species exhibits a remarkably broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to adapt to diverse topographic conditions. It can be found at elevations as low as 5 m AMSL, with a mean elevational range of approximately 675 m AMSL, yet it demonstrates significant resilience by ascending to a maximum elevation of 2900 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

2900 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

675 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Habitat :

open, riparian

Genetics

The genetics of Oenothera laciniata are characterized by a specific karyotype, most notably defined by a chromosome number of 7. This chromosomal configuration serves as a fundamental cytogenetic marker for the species, influencing its reproductive mechanisms and hereditary patterns within the Onagraceae family. The stability of this diploid or polyploid arrangement, depending on the specific population's evolutionary lineage, dictates the inheritance of morphological traits and the potential for genetic recombination during meiosis. Such genomic properties are essential for understanding the species' evolutionary divergence and its capacity for adaptation within its native ecological niches.

Chromosome number :

7

Life history

The life history of Oenothera laciniata is characterized by its classification as an annual, meaning it completes its entire developmental cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the plant survives the unfavorable periods of its environment primarily in the form of seeds, which remain dormant until conditions become suitable for new growth. This life form dictates its strategy of rapid development, utilizing a seasonal window to establish itself, flower, and ensure the next generation before the onset of harsh environmental changes.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Oenothera laciniaata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, functioning neither as an aquatic nor a semiaquatic species, and it exists as a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte. It is an independent species that does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing plant with a minimum height of 0.05 m and a maximum height reaching 0.7 m. Additionally, the plant is self-supporting in its structure, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.7 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Oenothera laciniaata is characterized by its specific metabolic processes and vegetative morphology. The plant utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation mechanisms and energy conversion efficiency. Morphologically, the leaves exhibit significant variability in size, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. Complementing these longitudinal dimensions, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1 cm and a maximum of 3 cm, contributing to the overall surface area available for gas exchange and light absorption during its developmental stages.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

3 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Oenothera laciniaata is characterized by the development of dehiscence-driven fruit structures and specialized seed morphology. The plant produces fruits that vary significantly in size, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 5 cm, maintaining an average fruit length of approximately 3.75 cm. These fruits are classified as dehiscent, facilitating the release of seeds upon maturity. The resulting seeds are small and lightweight, with a mean mass of 4e-04 g, though they exhibit slight variability, ranging from a minimum mass of 0.00038 g to a maximum of 0.00042 g. In terms of dimensions, the seed length is quite narrow, measuring between a minimum of 0.9 mm and a maximum of 1.8 mm.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Fruit length max:

5 cm

Fruit length mean:

3.75 cm

Fruit length min:

2 cm

Seed length max:

1.8 mm

Seed length min:

0.9 mm

Seed mass max:

0.00042 g

Seed mass mean:

4e-04 g

Seed mass min:

0.00038 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Oenothera laciniata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oenotherin T(1).

oenotherin T(1)

1. Phytochemistry