Platycarpha glomerata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Stobaea glomerata
• Platycarpha calvescens
• Cynara glomerata
• Platycarpha ecklonis

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 classified under the order Asterales and is a member of the Asteraceae family. Within this group, it is identified by the genus Platycarpha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found within specific regions of Southern Africa. Its presence is notably documented in the Cape Provinces. Furthermore, its natural habitat extends to the KwaZulu-Natal region. These locations represent the primary areas where the species can be located. Therefore, its geographical distribution is concentrated within these southern territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Platycarpha glomerata is characterized by its adaptability to a broad range of low-to-mid altitude landscapes, typically thriving within a specific vertical distribution. This species is found across an elevational range starting from as low as 5 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 460 m AMSL. This distribution suggests that the plant is well-suited to lowland environments, potentially occupying habitats such as forest edges, clearings, or disturbed areas where it can access sufficient sunlight and moisture within these lower altitudinal gradients.

Elevational range max:

460 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Platycarpha glomerata is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, meaning it survives for more than two years and undergoes multiple growth cycles throughout its existence. As a perennial herb, it typically establishes a robust root system that allows it to persist through various seasonal changes, often regenerating from its base or rhizomes to produce new vegetative growth in subsequent years. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to invest significant energy into its reproductive phases, often leading to more substantial flowering and seed production as the individual matures. Its developmental pattern is marked by periodic cycles of growth, dormancy, and flowering, ensuring its continued presence within its specific ecological niche over an extended lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Platycarya glomerata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically categorized as a forb. This plant exhibits a terrestrial habit, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. While it occupies land, its ecological niche encompasses a spectrum of moisture levels, ranging from aquatic and semiaquatic to terrestrial environments. In terms of its structural support, it is a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, maintaining its upright herbaceous stature without the need for external assistance.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Platycarpha glomerata has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cardiac Glycosides, Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins.

Cardiac Glycosides

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Flavonoids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Saponins

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Steroids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Tannins

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Terpenoids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Activities

Platycarpha glomerata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Medicinal Uses

Platycarpha glomerata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Elephantiasis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations