Allegheny pachysandra

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Allegheny pachysandra
• mountain-spurge
• Allegheny Spurge

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pachysandra erecta

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Buxales and the family Buxaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Pachysandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the United States. In the North-Central region, its presence has been documented in Missouri. Moving toward the Northeast, the species can be found in Indiana. Its range further extends through Pennsylvania and West Virginia within the same Northeastern area. Finally, the plant is also recorded in the state of Connecticut.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pachysandra procumbens is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish long-term presence in its habitat. In terms of its structural growth habit and ecological positioning, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located near or just above the soil surface. This specific growth strategy enables the plant to withstand varying environmental conditions by maintaining its reproductive and vegetative potential close to the ground level.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pachysandra procumbens is characterized by its growth form as a forb, exhibiting a distinct structural habit. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its physical structure to navigate its environment without the strict necessity of external support. Furthermore, the plant possesses a woody nature, which contributes to its overall structural integrity and perennial life cycle.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pachysandra procumbens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Axillaridine A, (+)-Epipachysamine D, (+)-pachysamine B, (-)-Pachyaximine A.

(+)-Axillaridine A

1. Journal of natural products

(+)-Epipachysamine D

1. Journal of natural products

(+)-pachysamine B

1. Journal of natural products

(-)-Pachyaximine A

1. Journal of natural products