Pulicaria burchardii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it falls under the family Asteraceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Pulicaria, where it is known as Pulicaria burchardii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct regions of the African continent and its surrounding islands. In Northern Africa, its presence is recorded within the borders of Morocco. The species is also found throughout Macaronesia, specifically inhabiting the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the Selvagens. Additionally, its range extends into West Tropical Africa, where it can be located in Mauritania. Together, these locations define the unique geographical footprint of Pulicaria burchardii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pulicaria burchardii is characterized by its distribution across specific altitudinal gradients, thriving in environments situated within an elevational range of 10 m to 200 m AMSL. This low-altitude preference suggests an adaptation to warmer, potentially more coastal or lowland terrestrial ecosystems where the plant can establish itself within its preferred niche. By occupying these specific elevations, the species interacts with a distinct set of climatic and soil conditions unique to these lower reaches of the landscape.

Elevational range max:

200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

10 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Pulicaria burchardii is characterized by its low-growing, non-woody structure, manifesting primarily as a subshrub or herb. The plant exhibits a compact growth form with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of Pulicaria burchardii is characterized by a specific vegetative architecture that facilitates its environmental adaptation. The plant exhibits an elliptic leaf form, providing a streamlined surface area that optimizes light interception for photosynthesis while managing transpiration rates. These leaves are organized in an alternate leaf arrangement along the stem, a phyllotactic pattern that ensures minimal shading between successive nodes and maximizes the efficiency of nutrient distribution and gas exchange across the plant's canopy.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

elliptic

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pulicaria burchardii is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and distinct floral morphology. The flowering period typically begins in February and concludes around April, though the timing can be variable across different months. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces yellow flowers that exhibit specific dimensions, with a flower length reaching a maximum of 0.5 cm and a flower width ranging between a minimum of 1 cm and a maximum of 1.5 cm. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds that are remarkably lightweight; the seed mass is consistent at a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.00014 g, indicating a uniform and minute seed size.

Flower colour :

yellow

Flower length max:

0.5 cm

Flower width max:

1.5 cm

Flower width min:

1 cm

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Apr

Seed mass mean:

0.00014 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Pulicaria burchardii has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiviral.

Antibacterial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antimicrobial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiviral

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Pulicaria burchardii has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include HSV-1, SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, spores.

Hsv-1

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Sars-cov-2

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Bacteria

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Spores

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)