Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sedum chrysanthemifolium

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Saxifragales, it is classified under the family Crassulaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rhodiola.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across high-altitude regions of Asia. In China, its presence is documented within the South-Central provinces as well as the Qinghai region. It is also found extensively throughout the plateau of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species inhabits the rugged terrain of the East Himalaya. Furthermore, its geographical range extends into the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia is defined by its specialization to high-altitude alpine environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical niche. This species is strictly adapted to montane and subalpine zones, occupying an elevational range that typically spans from a minimum of 3000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3800 m AMSL. Within this narrow altitudinal belt, the plant is subject to extreme environmental pressures, including intense ultraviolet radiation, significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, and thin, nutrient-poor soils. Its presence in these high-elevation habitats suggests a physiological resilience to cold stress and low partial pressures of carbon dioxide, allowing it to establish itself in rocky crevices or alpine meadows where competition from faster-growing lowland flora is minimal.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. Although it possesses a self-supporting climbing habit, it functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. The structure is defined by its non-woody nature, lacking the lignified tissues found in shrubs or trees.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Salidroside.

Salidroside

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology