Himalayan Musk Rose

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Himalayan musk rose

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rosa moschata var. brunonii
• Rosa clavigera
• Rosa brunonii var. nepalensis
• Rosa moschata var. nepalensis

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, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Rosa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. In Western Asia, its presence can be noted within the borders of Afghanistan. Its range extends significantly into China, specifically covering the South-Central areas and the Tibet region. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is found growing in the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is widely distributed throughout the East Himalaya zone.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rosa brunonii is characterized by its distribution across a broad altitudinal gradient, reflecting its ability to adapt to diverse montane environmental conditions. The species occupies a significant vertical span, ranging from a minimum elevation of 900 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 2750 m AMSL. Within this range, the plant shows a notable preference for higher altitudes, as indicated by a mean elevation of 2675 m AMSL. This distribution pattern suggests that while the species can persist in lower montane zones, it thrives most effectively in high-altitude ecosystems, where it likely interacts with specific climatic and soil profiles unique to upper-elevation habitats.

Elevational range max:

2750 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2675 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Rosa brunonii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its reproductive cycle within a single year like annuals or two years like biennials; instead, it establishes a robust perennial structure that enables long-term survival and repeated flowering cycles. This life strategy allows the plant to build up significant energy reserves in its root system, facilitating regrowth and adaptation to its specific environmental conditions over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rosa brunonii is characterized by a woody growth form that functions as both a shrub and a liana. This plant exhibits a climbing habit, categorized as a self-supporting vine or liana, which allows it to ascend through various structures. In terms of stature, it is a substantial plant with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 4 meters to a maximum of 6 meters, maintaining an average height of approximately 5 meters. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently in its environment rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rosa brunonii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The morphological aspects of its foliage play a crucial role in its physiological function, with leaf dimensions exhibiting specific variability. The leaves typically possess a mean length of 4 cm, ranging from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 5 cm. Complementing these longitudinal measurements, the leaf width shows a mean value of 1.25 cm, fluctuating between a minimum of 1 cm and a maximum of 1.5 cm. These specific leaf dimensions influence the plant's surface area for gas exchange and light interception, supporting its overall metabolic requirements.

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length mean:

4 cm

Leaf length min:

3 cm

Leaf width max:

1.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

1.25 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rosa brunonii is characterized by its seasonal flowering cycle and specific floral dimensions. The plant begins its flowering period in April and continues through July, though the exact timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the flowers exhibit a distinct size range, with individual flower lengths measuring a minimum of 3 cm and reaching a maximum of 5 cm.

Flower length max:

5 cm

Flower length min:

3 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rosa brunonii has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, fruit, leaf.

Flower

1. Scientific reports

Fruit

1. Scientific reports

Leaf

1. Scientific reports

Chemicals

Rosa brunonii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of separation science

Activities

Rosa brunonii has 5 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Cytotoxic.

Anticancer

1. Scientific reports

Antifungal

1. Scientific reports

Antioxidant

1. Scientific reports

Antiviral

1. Scientific reports

Cytotoxic

1. Scientific reports

Medicinal Uses

Rosa brunonii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wounds.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations