Phalacrachena calva

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Centaurea calva

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae within the genus Phalacrachena.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across certain regions of Asia. Within Central Asia, its presence is notably recorded in Kazakhstan. Additionally, its habitat extends into the territory of Mongolia. These two countries represent the primary locations where the species can be found. Consequently, the range of Phalacrachena calva is concentrated within these specific continental zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phalacrachena calva is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse and often challenging landscapes. This species thrives across a broad spectrum of environments, ranging from the moist margins of lakes and rivers to the rugged, high-altitude terrains of mountains. It demonstrates significant resilience by colonizing varied substrates, including sandy soils and stony places, where competition from other vegetation may be limited. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the expansive, open stretches of the steppe, indicating a capacity to withstand both the fluctuating moisture levels of riparian zones and the more arid, exposed conditions typical of open plains and rocky outcrops.

Habitat :

lakes, mountains, rivers, sand, steppe, stony places

Life history

The life history of Phalacrachena calva is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, often establishing a stable root system or underground structures that facilitate regrowth following seasonal dormancy. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to accumulate resources over several years, which can enhance its resilience to environmental fluctuations and support more robust reproductive efforts during favorable climatic periods. Through this extended lifecycle, the plant can effectively colonize its ecological niche and maintain long-term population stability.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Phalacrachena calva is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It typically exhibits a small stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.2 m. In terms of its ecological habitat and moisture preference, the species displays a versatile habit across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. Furthermore, the plant functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.2 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Phalacrachena calva is characterized by a sexual reproductive strategy, specifically featuring bisexual flowers that facilitate pollination. The flowering period for this species typically begins in May and concludes in July. Following the pollination process, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind as the primary mechanism to transport its seeds or reproductive structures to new locations.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Phalacrachena calva has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 14-hydroxyterezine D, Terezine E.

14-hydroxyterezine D

1. Natural product research

Terezine E

1. Natural product research