Polygala caudata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Heterosamara caudata
• Polygala comesperma

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Polygalaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Polygala.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Polygala caudata, exhibits a specific geographical range within East Asia. It is primarily found in the South-Central region of China. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Southeast portion of the country. These two specific areas define the known natural habitats where the species thrives. Consequently, its presence is concentrated within these distinct Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Polygala caudata is closely tied to specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitat, thriving primarily in montane environments. The species occupies a distinct vertical niche, with its distribution spanning an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1000 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL. Throughout its natural range, the plant is most frequently encountered at a mean elevation of approximately 1400 m AMSL, indicating a preference for mid-to-high altitude ecological zones that likely provide the specific temperature and moisture regimes required for its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Polygala caudata is characterized by a growth form classified as a shrub, appearing as a perennial woody plant. It possesses a woody structure, distinguishing it from herbaceous or non-woody species. Regarding its climbing tendencies, the plant is described as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on external structures to maintain its upright posture through obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Polygala caudata is characterized by the development of specific fruit structures that facilitate its life cycle. The fruit produced by this species displays a highly consistent morphology, with measured dimensions showing no significant variation across different specimens. Specifically, the fruit length is uniform, maintaining a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.8 cm. This consistent size of 0.8 cm suggests a stabilized reproductive output within its ecological niche, ensuring that the dispersal units are standardized in their physical dimensions.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Polygala caudata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Planta medica

Chemicals

Polygala caudata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Euxanthone, 1,7-Dihydroxyxanthone, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, triterpene.

Euxanthone

1. Life sciences
2. Neuroscience
3. Cell biochemistry and function

1,7-Dihydroxyxanthone

1. Life sciences

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

triterpene

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Polygala caudata has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include central nervous system disorders, epithelial ovarian cancer, inflammation, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer.

Central nervous system disorders

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Epithelial ovarian cancer

1. Cell biochemistry and function

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroblastoma

1. Life sciences

Ovarian cancer

1. Cell biochemistry and function

Wounds

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Polygala caudata has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.

Roots

1. Planta medica