Pseudolarix kaempferi

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese Golden Larch
• Chinese golden-larch
• Japanese-larch
• golden-larch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Larix amabilis
• Pseudolarix pourtetii
• Pseudolarix fortunei
• Laricopsis fortunei
• Chrysolarix amabilis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Pinidae, it is categorized under the order Pinales and the family Pinaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Pseudolarix.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Pseudolarix amabilis, exhibits a very specific and limited natural range. Its geographical distribution is primarily centered within the Asian continent. Specifically, this medicinal species is found natively in the Southeast region of China. Because its habitat is restricted to this particular area, it is considered an endemic treasure of the local ecosystem. Understanding this precise location is essential for the conservation and sustainable harvesting of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pseudolarix amabilis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody branches. Within this category, it exhibits specific life form variations that include both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte traits, indicating its ability to maintain perennial structures through various seasonal cycles. As a phanerophyte, its survival strategy relies on elevated buds that are protected from environmental stressors, ensuring continued growth and regeneration across its lifespan.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Pseudolarix amabilis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, exhibiting a robust and self-supporting structure. As an independent organism, it functions without parasitic tendencies, maintaining its own physiological processes. Regarding its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is strictly terrestrial, rather than aquatic or semiaquatic, and does not exhibit epiphytic behavior. Its physical development is defined by its woody nature, providing the structural integrity necessary for its arboreal habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pseudolarix amabilis is characterized by specific metabolic and structural adaptations that influence its growth and resource allocation. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism typical of many woody species where carbon fixation occurs directly through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. Complementing its metabolic processes, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 491 mg/cm³, a structural parameter that reflects the internal density and mechanical strength of its woody tissues.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

491 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pseudolarix amabilis is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit a highly consistent physical profile. The reproductive output is defined by a uniform seed mass, with a recorded mean value of 0.03571 g. This measurement is exceptionally precise across the observed population, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are identical at 0.03571 g. This lack of variance in seed mass suggests a highly stabilized reproductive strategy, ensuring that each seed produced maintains a specific weight essential for its dispersal and germination success.

Seed mass mean:

0.03571 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pseudolarix amabilis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin.

(+)-catechin

1. Veterinary parasitology

Conditions

Pseudolarix amabilis has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include atopic dermatitis, dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis

1. Nihon yakurigaku zasshi. Folia pharmacologica Japonica

Dermatitis

1. Nihon yakurigaku zasshi. Folia pharmacologica Japonica

Preparations

Pseudolarix amabilis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extracts.

Crude extracts

1. Veterinary parasitology