Rhodiola kirilowii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rhodiola kirilowii var. rubra
• Rhodiola robusta
• Rhodiola kirilowii var. latifolia
• Sedum kirilowii var. rubrum
• Sedum longicaule
• Sedum rosea f. kirilowii
• Sedum macrolepis
• Sedum kirilowii
• Rhodiola macrolepis
• Rhodiola longicaulis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Saxifrages, it is classified under the family Crassulaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Rhodiola.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Central Asia. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, and Tadzhikistan. Its range also extends significantly into the country of China. Within China, the species is located in both the South-Central and North-Central regions. Consequently, its habitat spans a diverse geographical area throughout these mountainous areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rhodiola kirilowii is characterized by its preference for specific high-altitude environments and varied terrain. This species is typically found inhabiting forest edges, meadows, and stony places, where it can adapt to the unique microclimates provided by these transitions between woody and open landscapes. Its distribution is closely tied to mountainous topography, with its elevational range reaching a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. This altitudinal preference suggests an adaptation to the cooler temperatures and specific light conditions found in subalpine or montane zones, allowing it to thrive in the rocky and open spaces it occupies.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest edges, meadows, stony places

Life history

The life history of Rhodiola kirilowii is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and maintains its physiological functions through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete die-off seen in annuals, instead utilizing its established root systems to survive periods of dormancy and regrow when environmental conditions become favorable. This long-lived life cycle allows the plant to accumulate significant biomass and secondary metabolites over time, contributing to its stability within its natural habitat. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes cyclical stages of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, adapting its developmental pace to the seasonal shifts of its ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rhodiola kirilowii is characterized by a non-woody growth habit, functioning as both a herb and a forb. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rhodiola kirilowii is characterized by specialized metabolic adaptations that allow it to thrive in challenging high-altitude environments. A defining aspect of its physiological profile is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) alongside C3 and C4 mechanisms to optimize carbon fixation and water-use efficiency under fluctuating environmental stressors. This metabolic plasticity enables the plant to manage gas exchange effectively, minimizing transpiration while maximizing photosynthetic output during optimal conditions. Furthermore, its physiological processes are closely linked to the biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites, which serve as adaptive responses to oxidative stress and extreme temperature variations common in its natural habitat.

Photosynthetic pathway :

CAM

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rhodiola kirilowii is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and the production of very fine seeds. The flowering period typically begins in March and concludes in July, though the timing can be variable across different environmental conditions. The reproductive cycle results in the production of seeds with highly specific mass characteristics; while the recorded mean seed mass is approximately 0.003285 g, the individual seed mass measurements show a minimum and maximum value of 7e-05 g, indicating a highly uniform and minute seed size essential for its dispersal and germination processes.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Jul

Seed mass max:

7e-05 g

Seed mass mean:

0.003285 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rhodiola kirilowii has 2 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, root.

Rhizome

1. Central-European journal of immunology
2. Polish journal of veterinary sciences

Root

1. Central-European journal of immunology
2. Polish journal of veterinary sciences

Chemicals

Rhodiola kirilowii has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Salidroside, (+)-catechin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Flavonoids, Lotaustralin.

Salidroside

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM
2. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
3. Central-European journal of immunology

(+)-catechin

1. Central-European journal of immunology

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Central-European journal of immunology

Flavonoids

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM

Lotaustralin

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

Polyphenol

1. Journal of medicinal food

Proanthocyanidins

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM

Rosavins

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM

catechins

1. Central-European journal of immunology

kaempferol

1. Central-European journal of immunology

Activities

Rhodiola kirilowii has 7 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogen, Antiangiogenic, Antimicrobial, Cardioprotective, Immunostimulant.

Adaptogen

1. Scientific data
2. Polish journal of veterinary sciences

Antiangiogenic

1. Central-European journal of immunology

Antimicrobial

1. Polish journal of veterinary sciences

Cardioprotective

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM

Immunostimulant

1. Journal of immunology research

Neuroprotective

1. Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM

Tonic

1. Polish journal of veterinary sciences

Medicinal Uses

Rhodiola kirilowii has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infections, inflammation.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations