Rheum lhasaense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Rheum lhasaense, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Rheum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Rheum lhasaense, possesses a very specific and localized geographical distribution. It is primarily found within the high-altitude regions of East Asia. Specifically, its natural habitat is located within the borders of China. Within this country, the species is endemic to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Consequently, its occurrence is restricted to these unique mountainous environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rheum lhasaense is defined by its specialization in high-altitude alpine environments, where it thrives within a very specific and narrow vertical niche. This species is strictly adapted to extreme montane conditions, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 4,200 m AMSL. It maintains a presence throughout the high-altitude zones of its habitat, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,600 m AMSL. The distribution of the plant is centered around a mean elevation of 4,400 m AMSL, suggesting that its biological processes and reproductive cycles are finely tuned to the specific atmospheric pressures, temperature fluctuations, and soil compositions found within this precise altitudinal band.

Elevational range max:

4600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

4400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

4200 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Rheum lhasaense is characterized by a robust growth habit where the plant height typically reaches a mean of 0.5 m. Depending on environmental conditions and developmental stages, the stature of the plant can vary, with minimum heights recorded at 0.3 m and maximum heights extending up to 0.7 m.

Plant height max:

0.7 m

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rheum lhasaense is characterized by the development of specialized fruit structures that play a critical role in its dispersal and life cycle. The resulting fruits exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with the fruit width typically ranging from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 0.9 cm. On average, the fruit width is measured at approximately 0.85 cm, ensuring a consistent structural profile across the reproductive organs. This precise sizing of the fruit is an essential component of the plant's reproductive strategy, facilitating the successful containment and eventual release of seeds within its native habitat.

Fruit width max:

0.9 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.85 cm

Fruit width min:

0.8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rheum lhasaense has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of natural medicines
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Rheum lhasaense has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include GNETIN C, Maximol A, PG, Pallidol.

GNETIN C

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Maximol A

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

PG

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Pallidol

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Rheum lhasaense has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cognitive dysfunction, cognitive impairment.

Cognitive dysfunction

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Cognitive impairment

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Preparations

Rheum lhasaense has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract of roots of Rheum lhasaense, ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract of roots of Rheum lhasaense, methanolic extract of roots of Rheum lhasaense A.

Ethanol extract of roots of rheum lhasaense

1. Journal of natural medicines

Ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract of roots of rheum lhasaense

1. Journal of natural medicines

Methanolic extract of roots of rheum lhasaense a

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)