Pleione yunnanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pleione yunnanensis var. chiwuana
• Coelogyne yunnanensis
• Pleione chiwuana

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae and the genus Pleione. As a member of the genus Pleione, Pleione yunnanensis represents a specialized group of terrestrial orchids.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spread across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found inhabiting the areas of South-Central China. Additionally, its distribution extends into the high-altitude terrains of Tibet. Moving beyond Chinese borders, the species is also present within the Indo-China region. Specifically, its habitat includes the forested landscapes of Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pleione yunnanensis is characterized by its specialized habitat within high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is primarily found in mountainous regions at elevations ranging from a minimum of 2250 m AMSL to a maximum of 2700 m AMSL. Occupying these subalpine zones, the plant is adapted to the distinct climatic conditions found at these heights, which typically include cooler temperatures, high humidity, and significant seasonal variations. Its presence within this narrow elevational band suggests a high degree of ecological specialization, relying on the unique soil compositions and light availability characteristic of these specific altitudinal strata.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2250 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Pleione yunnanensis is characterized by a specialized survival strategy adapted to seasonal environmental shifts, functioning primarily as a geophyte and a cryptophyte. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable periods, such as dry seasons or cold temperatures, allowing it to remain dormant while maintaining metabolic readiness. Its classification as a cryptophyte indicates that its perennating buds are located below the soil surface, protected from surface fluctuations and herbivory. This life cycle involves a period of active vegetative growth and flowering triggered by specific moisture and temperature cues, followed by a programmed senescence of the above-ground parts, leaving the plant to persist entirely through its subterranean structures until the next favorable growing season.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Pleione yunnanensis is characterized by a non-woody structure, reflecting its herbaceous nature. It functions as a self-supporting plant, lacking any climbing mechanisms such as tendrils or twining stems. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit any parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional processes. Furthermore, rather than being an epiphyte, this species is strictly terrestrial, growing within the soil of its natural habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pleione yunnanensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include DIHYDROPHENANTHRENE.

DIHYDROPHENANTHRENE

1. Magnetic resonance in chemistry : MRC

Conditions

Pleione yunnanensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include lung cancer.

Lung cancer

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Pleione yunnanensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include tubers.

Tubers

1. Magnetic resonance in chemistry : MRC