madder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Madder
• Indian madder
• dyer's madder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Galium rubia
• Rubia iberica
• Rubia peregrina subsp. tinctorum
• Rubia tinctorum var. culta
• Rubia acaliculata
• Rubia tinctorum var. grandifolia
• Rubia tinctorum var. latifolia
• Rubia tinctorum var. iberica
• Rubia tinctorum f. petiolaris
• Rubia tinctorum var. pubescens
• Rubia tinctorum var. sativa
• Rubia sylvestris
• Rubia sativa

Regional and Traditional Names

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 Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Rubia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be observed within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is commonly found throughout Germany and Austria. It also maintains a significant presence across the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Furthermore, the plant can be located within the geographical boundaries of Hungary.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rubia tinctorum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, occurring across a vast elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 2300 m AMSL. This species is typically found inhabiting diverse landscapes, specifically favoring mountainous regions and areas in close proximity to rivers.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

mountains, rivers

Life history

The life history of Rubia tinctoria is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural life form, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, meaning its perennial buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or surface debris during unfavorable conditions. This life form, consistent with its identification as both a hemicryptophyte under different classification frameworks, enables the plant to maintain a stable presence in its habitat while navigating seasonal environmental changes.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rubia tinctorum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This plant typically exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit, though it is categorized as a self-supporting structure rather than an obligatory liana or vine. It thrives in terrestrial environments, functioning as an independent organism that is neither a parasite nor an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a height ranging from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rubia tincturia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. The plant is non-carnivorous, relying entirely on its root system and soil nutrients rather than trapping prey for nitrogen. Morphologically, the leaves exhibit a mean size of 5.9 cm², which contributes to a specific leaf area (SLA) with a mean value of 179.2 cm²/g, reflecting the structural density and resource allocation strategies of its foliage.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

5.9 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

179.2 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rubia tinctorum is primarily driven by sexual processes, as asexual reproduction is noted to be absent. The flowering period typically commences in June and concludes in July. This reproductive phase relies on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically involving insects such as beetles to facilitate fertilization. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruit classified as a drupe. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents. The seeds produced are quite small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.023263333 g, while the individual seed mass ranges from a minimum of 0.0151 g to a maximum of 0.02885 g.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit type :

drupe

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

beetle

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.02885 g

Seed mass mean:

0.023263333 g

Seed mass min:

0.0151 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Rubia tinctorum has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Alizarin, Lucidin, Xanthopurpurin, emodin, 2-HYDROXYANTHRAQUINONE.

Alizarin

1. ACS omega
2. Planta medica
3. Carcinogenesis
4. Fitoterapia
5. Metabolites

Lucidin

1. Planta medica
2. Carcinogenesis

Xanthopurpurin

1. ACS omega
2. Planta medica

emodin

1. ACS omega
2. Fitoterapia

2-HYDROXYANTHRAQUINONE

1. ACS omega

Anthragallol

1. ACS omega

Anthraquinones

1. Metabolites

CHRYSOPHANIC ACID

1. ACS omega

Flavonoids

1. BMC research notes

Lucidinprimeveroside

1. Carcinogenesis

Activities

Rubia tinctorum has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Hemostatic.

Anticancer

1. ACS omega
2. Metabolites

Antibacterial

1. Metabolites

Antioxidant

1. Metabolites

Hemostatic

1. Metabolites

Conditions

Rubia tinctorum has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antioxidant, breast cancer, cancer, hemostatic.

Antioxidant

1. Metabolites

Breast cancer

1. ACS omega

Cancer

1. ACS omega

Hemostatic

1. Metabolites

Preparations

Rubia tinctorum has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extracts, methanol extracts.

Aqueous extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Methanol extracts

1. Fitoterapia