Spatulate rock pine

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Spatulate rock pine

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Umbilicus malacophyllus
• Cotyledon malacophylla
• Sedum malacophyllum
• Sempervivum malacophyllum
• Hylotelephium malacophyllum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Saxifragales and the family Crasulaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in the genus Orostachys.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across the northern landscapes of Russia. Within the vast expanse of Siberia, its presence is noted in the regions of Buryatiya and Chitа. It can also be found throughout the Irkutsk and Yakutiya areas of the Siberian wilderness. Beyond these territories, the species extends its reach into the Russian Far East. Specifically, its distribution includes the Amur region, marking its presence in these diverse habitats.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Orostaсhys malaсophylla is defined by its specialized preference for dynamic, moisture-rich, and unstable substrates found within coastal and riparian environments. This plant is primarily situated in habitats such as rivers, sand, sea, shores, and stony places, where it must adapt to the shifting nature of its surroundings. Its ability to thrive in sandy and stony terrains suggests a high tolerance for well-draining, nutrient-poor soils and a resilience to the mechanical stresses caused by moving water or wind-driven sediment. By colonizing these interface zones between aquatic and terrestrial systems, the species occupies a niche characterized by high salt tolerance or periodic inundation, making it an integral component of the ecological fabric in both shoreline and riverine ecosystems.

Habitat :

rivers, sand, sea, shores, stony places

Life history

The life history of Orostaechys malaecophylla is characterized by a biennial lifecycle, meaning the plant typically completes its developmental stages over a period of two years. During its initial year, the plant focuses on vegetative growth, establishing a robust root system and developing its characteristic foliage. In the second year, the plant transitions into its reproductive phase, producing flowers and seeds before eventually completing its life cycle. This developmental pattern of alternating between a vegetative year and a reproductive year is a defining feature of its biological progression in its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

biennial

Morphology

The morphology of Orostachys malacophylla is characterized by a low-growing, non-woody stature, functioning as both a herb and a forb. It typically reaches a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.3 m. The species exhibits a versatile ecological habit, capable of existing in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, functioning without parasitic dependencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.3 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Orostaichys malaicophylla is characterized by a specialized metabolic efficiency through its use of the CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthetic pathway, allowing it to optimize carbon fixation and water conservation. Morphologically, the plant features an oblong leaf form with an entire leaf margin, presenting a smooth structural profile. Furthermore, its physiological development is notable for the complete absence of defensive leaf structures, as it possesses no leaf thorns and no leaf spines.

Leaf form :

oblong

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

CAM

Reproduction

The reproduction of Orostaechys malaecophylla is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically commences in August and continues through the month of September, although the precise timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. This relatively concentrated window of floral activity is essential for the plant's pollination processes and subsequent seed development.

Flowering time :

Aug

Flowering time :

Sep

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Orostachys malacophylla has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ETHYL GALLATE, Gallic acid, Homoprotocatechuic acid, Methyl p-coumarate, Phloretic acid.

ETHYL GALLATE

1. Experimental parasitology

Gallic acid

1. Experimental parasitology

Homoprotocatechuic acid

1. Experimental parasitology

Methyl p-coumarate

1. Experimental parasitology

Phloretic acid

1. Experimental parasitology

arbutin

1. Experimental parasitology

protocatechuic acid

1. Experimental parasitology

Medicinal Uses

Orostachys malacophylla has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Toxoplasmosis, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly.

Most Reported Uses