Chinese rodgersia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese rodgersia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Saxifragales, it is a member of the family Saxifragaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Rodgersia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Europe, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Germany. Moving to Asia, it can be found throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central territories. Its range also extends to the northern reaches of the continent in Inner Mongolia. Finally, the species is also documented across the China North-Central and China Southeast regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rodgersia aesculifolia is defined by its preference for montane environments, where it thrives within a specific altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found inhabiting high-altitude regions, occupying an elevational range that begins at 1,100 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3,400 m AMSL. Within these mountainous habitats, the plant typically colonizes moist, well-drained soils, often situated in partially shaded areas such as woodland margins or near the edges of riparian zones where moisture levels remain consistent. Its ability to persist across such a broad vertical range suggests an adaptation to varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures characteristic of high-elevation ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1100 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Rodgersia aesculifolia is characterized by its robust, herbaceous growth habit, being classified as a non-woody perennial. The plant features large, erect, and thick stems that rise from a substantial rhizomatous root system. Its most striking morphological feature is the foliage, which consists of large, compound leaves that are deeply divided into multiple leaflets, bearing a strong resemblance to the leaves of a horse chestnut (Aesculus). These leaflets are typically ovate to lanceolate with serrated margins and a distinctively textured, somewhat leathery surface. During the flowering period, the plant produces large, terminal panicles of numerous small, creamy-white to pinkish flowers that emerge from the center of the leaf rosettes. The overall structure is substantial and spreading, often forming dense clumps due to its vigorous rhizomatous nature.

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Root

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

Chemicals

Rodgersia aesculifolia has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propan-1-one, 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, 3-hydroxyurs-12-en-27-oic acid, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, Caffeic acid ethyl ester.

2,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propan-1-one

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

3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester

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

3-hydroxyurs-12-en-27-oic acid

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

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

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

Caffeic acid ethyl ester

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

Crocusatin B

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

ETHYL GALLATE

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

Ethyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate

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

Gallic acid

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

Geniposide

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