Oxytropis glabra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Oxytropis glabra subsp. riparia
• Oxytropis glabra var. elongata
• Oxytropis drakeana
• Spiesia glabra
• Oxytropis glabra var. drakeana
• Oxytropis glabra f. villosa
• Oxytropis glabra f. sericea
• Oxytropis diffusa var. elongata
• Oxytropis salina
• Oxytropis diffusa var. pumila
• Oxytropis riparia
• Oxytropis sorkhehensis
• Oxytropis glabra var. salina
• Oxytropis glabra var. tenuis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Oxytropis, specifically as the species Oxytropis glabra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across the vast territories of Eastern Europe and Asia. Within Eastern Europe, it can be found growing throughout East European Russia. Its presence extends significantly into the Siberian region, where it inhabits several distinct areas. Specifically, it is documented in the Altay, Buryatiya, and Chitа regions of Siberia. Additionally, the species is known to thrive in the Irkutsk area, further marking its range across these landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oxytropis glabra is defined by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of topographical and hydrological conditions. It is primarily found inhabiting various landscapes, including hills, meadows, and plains, with a notable capacity to colonize both wet environments and riverine areas, as well as saline places. This species demonstrates significant altitudinal adaptability, occupying an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 1500 m AMSL to a maximum of 3800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Habitat :

hills, meadows: wet, plains, rivers, saline places

Life history

The life history of Oxytropis glabra is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over multiple years rather than dying after a single reproductive season. As a perennial species, it establishes a robust root system that allows it to endure seasonal fluctuations and persist in its natural habitat through various stages of growth. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to accumulate energy reserves, facilitating repeated flowering and seed production cycles across several years. Unlike annuals or biennials that follow a rapid, singular developmental trajectory, the perennial nature of Oxytropis glabra supports a more stable and enduring presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Oxytropis glabra is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it remains an independent organism rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant is terrestrial in nature, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small species with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 1 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Oxytropis glabra is primarily characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy where carbon fixation occurs through the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells. This C3 mechanism indicates that the plant relies on the Calvin cycle to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, a process that is highly efficient in temperate environments where water availability is sufficient and temperatures are moderate. In addition to its carbon fixation strategy, the physiological profile of the species is shaped by its adaptations to its specific ecological niche, involving specialized metabolic processes for nutrient uptake and water regulation that support its growth and survival within its native habitat.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Oxytropis glabra is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and precise seed production metrics. The flowering period typically begins in July and concludes in August, marking the peak time for its reproductive activity. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a very consistent and lightweight profile. The seed mass is remarkably small, with a mean weight of approximately 0.001835 g. This mass fluctuates within a very narrow range, varying from a minimum of 0.0017 g to a maximum of 0.00197 g, indicating a high degree of uniformity in the development of its offspring.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Seed mass max:

0.00197 g

Seed mass mean:

0.001835 g

Seed mass min:

0.0017 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Oxytropis glabra has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Baptifoline, Dictamnine, Ethyl allophanate, KAEMPFEROL 3-beta-D-GLUCOSIDE, Kaempferol 3-diglucoside.

Baptifoline

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Dictamnine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Ethyl allophanate

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

KAEMPFEROL 3-beta-D-GLUCOSIDE

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Kaempferol 3-diglucoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

N-Methylcytisine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Sparteine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Thermopsine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

adenine

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

kaempferol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica