Pedicularis plicata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Pedicularis plicata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Orobanchaceae and the genus Pedicularis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. It is primarily found throughout the South-Central parts of China. Additionally, its presence extends into the North-Central territories of the country. The species can also be located within the high-altitude province of Qinghai. Finally, its habitat includes the expansive plateau regions of Tibet.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pedicularis plicata is strictly defined by its high-altitude habitat, where it thrives within specific alpine and subalpine environmental parameters. This species is characteristically found at significant elevations, occupying a specialized niche that requires cold-tolerant physiological adaptations. Its distribution follows a precise altitudinal gradient, ranging from a minimum elevation of 3505 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 4260 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of 3771 m AMSL, indicating that it is most frequently encountered in high-mountain ecosystems characterized by thin soils, intense solar radiation, and prolonged seasonal snow cover.

Elevational range max:

4260 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3771 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3505 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Pedicularis plicata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it survives for multiple years rather than completing its life cycle in a single growing season. This longevity allows the species to establish a stable presence within its ecological niche, often characterized by moist or alpine environments. As a perennial, it typically undergoes a seasonal cycle of dormancy during harsh periods, such as cold winters, followed by a period of active growth, flowering, and seed production when environmental conditions become favorable. This perennial habit enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, contributing to its ability to withstand environmental fluctuations and maintain reproductive capacity across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pedicularis plicata is characterized by its herbaceous growth form, presenting as a non-woody herb. The plant typically reaches a mean height of approximately 0.2 m, maintaining a self-supporting structure without the need for climbing. As a non-woody herb, it lacks significant lignification, focusing its structural development on soft, fleshy, or fibrous tissues rather than woody stems.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Plant height mean:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pedicularis plicata is characterized by distinct morphological adaptations in its foliage that support its metabolic processes within its specific ecological niche. The leaf architecture plays a critical role in the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and water regulation, exhibiting significant variability in size across different developmental stages or environmental conditions. Specifically, the leaf length demonstrates a measurable range, with a mean length of 2 cm, indicating a moderate surface area for gas exchange. This measurement fluctuates according to individual plant vigor and microclimatic factors, reaching a minimum of 1 cm in smaller or less developed specimens and extending to a maximum of 3 cm in optimal growing conditions. This variation in leaf dimensions is fundamental to the plant's ability to manage light interception and transpiration rates, directly influencing its overall physiological performance and nutrient assimilation.

Leaf length max:

3 cm

Leaf length mean:

2 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pedicularis plicata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Martynoside, Verbascoside.

Martynoside

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Verbascoside

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR