Saussurea obvallata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Theodorea obvallata
• Saussurea obvallata var. orientalis
• Aplotaxis obvallata

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 Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Saussurea, where its species designation is obvallata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across various high-altitude regions of Asia. In China, it can be found growing in the South-Central areas as well as within the Qinghai province. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the Tibet region. Within the Indian Subcontinent, the species inhabits the state of Assam. Additionally, it is widely distributed across the East Himalaya range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Saussurea obvallata is defined by its specialization in high-altitude alpine and sub-alpine environments, where it thrives under extreme climatic conditions. This species is strictly adapted to montane ecosystems, occupying a specific altitudinal niche that is crucial for its survival and reproductive success. Its distribution is characterized by a significant elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 3200 m AMSL. The species reaches its upper ecological limits at a maximum elevation of 4900 m AMSL, positioning it within the harsh, high-mountain zones often subject to intense UV radiation, heavy snow cover, and fluctuating temperatures. On average, the plant maintains its presence at a mean elevation of 3950 m AMSL, an altitude that dictates the specific soil compositions and moisture availability necessary for its growth cycle within these rugged mountain landscapes.

Elevational range max:

4900 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3950 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Saussurea obvallata is characterized by its status as a perennial herb, a life cycle that allows it to survive through multiple growing seasons in its high-altitude alpine habitats. As a perennial, the plant does not complete its life cycle in a single season but instead establishes a persistent root system that enables it to endure the harsh, extreme conditions of the Himalayan mountain ranges. This long-term survival strategy allows the plant to accumulate sufficient energy over several years to support its reproductive phase, which typically involves the development of distinct flowering stalks. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of dormancy during the freezing winter months and periods of vigorous growth and flowering during the brief alpine summer, ensuring its continued presence and ability to propagate within its specialized ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Saussurea obvallata is characterized by its growth form as a perennial herb, manifesting as a non-woody, herbaceous plant. It is a terrestrial species, growing directly in the soil of its high-altitude habitats rather than as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural support, the plant is self-supporting, lacking any climbing mechanisms such as tendrils or twining stems, which allows it to maintain its upright stature within its alpine environment.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Saussurea obvallata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fatty acids, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, squalene.

Fatty acids

1. Genes

Flavonoids

1. Genes

Terpenoids

1. Genes

squalene

1. Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France)

Medicinal Uses

Saussurea obvallata has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, analgesia.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations