lizard's tail

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• lizard's-tail
• water-dragon

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Neobiondia silvestrii
• Mattuschkia aquatica
• Saururus cernuus f. submersus

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. It is classified within the order Piperales and the family Saururaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Saururus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across several different continents and regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found growing in Germany, while its reach extends to Southwestern Europe in both France and Corse. Finally, its range stretches across the Atlantic to include the province of Ontario in Eastern Canada.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Saururus cernuus is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a geophyte, it maintains its survival by utilizing underground storage organs to endure unfavorable conditions, facilitating its regrowth in subsequent years. This life cycle enables the species to establish stable populations within its typical wetland habitats, relying on its perennial nature to navigate seasonal environmental shifts.

Life form :

geophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Saururus cernuus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. It is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behavior, such as a liana or vine, and maintains a terrestrial to semiaquatic lifestyle. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 1.4 m, supported by its non-woody structural framework.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Saururus cernuus is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to its typically wetland or riparian habitats. As a member of the C3 photosynthetic pathway group, the plant utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide, a process that occurs directly within the mesophyll cells without the spatial or temporal separation seen in other pathways. This C3 mechanism is highly efficient in the moist, shaded, or partially sunlit environments where the species thrives, allowing for optimal gas exchange and water use under high humidity conditions. Beyond its carbon fixation strategy, the plant's physiological processes are closely tied to its ability to manage moisture levels and nutrient uptake in saturated soils, supporting the robust growth of its herbaceous structure and the development of its distinctive terminal racemes.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Saururus cernuus is driven by its flowering cycle, which occurs during the peak of the warm season. The flowering period specifically begins in July and concludes in August, marking the window for its reproductive activity. During this time, the plant produces its distinctive inflorescences, facilitating the necessary processes for seed production and genetic exchange.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Saururus cernuus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Lignans, Phenols, Saponins.

Anthraquinones

1. The American journal of Chinese medicine

Flavonoids

1. The American journal of Chinese medicine

Lignans

1. The American journal of Chinese medicine

Phenols

1. The American journal of Chinese medicine

Saponins

1. The American journal of Chinese medicine

Activities

Saururus cernuus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of natural products

Medicinal Uses

Saururus cernuus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include beriberi, edema, hypertension, jaundice, tumors.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations