kichijo-so

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• kichijo-so
• Chinese lucky grass

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sansevieria sarmentosa
• Sansevieria carnea variegata
• Reineckea ovata
• Sanseviella carnea
• Sansevieria rosea
• Reineckea yunnanensis
• Sansevieria sessiliflora
• Ophiopogon thunbergii
• Sansevieria carnea

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 Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Asparagales and the family Asparagaceae. It is scientifically identified by the genus Reineckea and the species Reineckea carnea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging geographical distribution that spans several distinct regions. In Europe, its presence is noted specifically within Great Britain. Its reach extends significantly into China, where it is found in the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Furthermore, the species is established across Eastern Asia, specifically in Japan. Together, these locations define the diverse environmental range of Reineckea carnea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Reineckea carnea is defined by its preference for specific montane environments, where it thrives within a distinct altitudinal corridor. This species is typically found across a significant vertical gradient, occupying habitats that range from a minimum elevation of 1600 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 3200 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests an ability to adapt to varying climatic conditions, including shifts in temperature, moisture availability, and atmospheric pressure characteristic of high-altitude tropical or subtropical zones. By inhabiting these mid-to-high altitude reaches, the plant occupies specialized ecological niches that are likely influenced by the complex topography and microclimates found within these mountain systems.

Elevational range max:

3200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Reineckea carnea is characterized by its specific classification as a cryptophyte, a strategy that allows it to survive unfavorable environmental conditions by protecting its regenerative organs underground. Specifically, it functions as a geophyte, relying on specialized underground storage organs to endure periods of dormancy or stress. This life form ensures that the plant can persist through seasonal fluctuations, emerging to complete its growth cycle when conditions become favorable.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Reineckea carnea is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, specifically exhibiting a non-woody structure. As a terrestrial organism, it does not function as an epiphyte, nor does it exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. The plant is an independent species, lacking any parasitic nature, and is characterized as a self-supporting herb rather than a climber, liana, or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Reineckea carnea is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical properties. Based on botanical data, the seeds are remarkably uniform in size and weight, with a recorded seed mass that remains constant across all measurements. Specifically, the seed mass mean, maximum, and minimum values are all identical at 0.00223 g. This lack of variance in seed mass suggests a highly standardized reproductive output, where each individual seed carries a precise and consistent amount of biological material to facilitate germination and subsequent growth.

Seed mass mean:

0.00223 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Reineckea carnea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Saponins.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Saponins

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Preparations