Rheum sublanceolatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rheum, which includes the species Rheum lanceolatum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Rheum sublanceolatum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the diverse landscapes of East Asia. It is primarily found across the North-Central regions of China. Additionally, its natural habitat extends into the high-altitude areas of Qinghai. The species also maintains a presence within the expansive territory of Xinjiang. Consequently, its geographical range is concentrated within these specific provinces of China.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rheum sublanceolatum is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical niche. This species is characteristically found in montane or alpine zones, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 2400 m AMSL to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. Throughout its natural habitat, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 2700 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the physiological conditions found at these high-altitude gradients, such as intense solar radiation, lower atmospheric pressure, and specific temperature fluctuations typical of such mountainous terrains.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2400 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Rheum sublanceolatum is characterized by a relatively compact stature, with a typical plant height averaging 0.425 m. The growth habit varies depending on environmental conditions, with individual specimens exhibiting a height range from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.55 m.

Plant height max:

0.55 m

Plant height mean:

0.425 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rheum sublanceolatum is characterized by the development of an inflorescence that typically ranges in length from a minimum of 0.18 m to a maximum of 0.25 m. Following fertilization, the plant produces fruits with notable morphological variability. The fruit length is relatively consistent, measuring with a minimum of 0.75 cm, a mean of 0.8 cm, and reaching a maximum of 0.85 cm. In contrast, the fruit width exhibits a much broader range of dimensions, spanning from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 6.5 cm, with an average width of 3.55 cm.

Fruit length max:

0.85 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.8 cm

Fruit length min:

0.75 cm

Fruit width max:

6.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

3.55 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.25 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.18 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Rheum sublanceolatum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-Methyl-5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone, 6-hydroxymusizin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, Daucosterol, Sitosterol, piceatannol.

2-Methyl-5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

6-hydroxymusizin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Daucosterol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Sitosterol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

piceatannol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica