Scrophularia alata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Scrophularia grayana var. takesimensis
• Scrophularia takesimensis
• Scrophularia alata var. borealikoreana
• Scrophularia grayana var. borealikoreana
• Scrophularia borealikoreana

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Lamiales and the family Scrophulariaceae. Finally, it is placed in the genus Scrophularia as the species Scrophularia alatata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Eastern Asia. Within the Russian Far East, it can be found inhabiting the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and the Primorye region. Its range also extends significantly into Eastern Asia, covering various parts of Japan. Additionally, the species is documented to grow throughout Korea. Together, these locations define the specific geographical footprint of Scrophularia alata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Scrophularia alata is fundamentally defined by its affinity for coastal and riparian environments, as it thrives specifically within the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This species is primarily found colonizing the margins of rivers, seas, and various types of shores, where it occupies niches characterized by high moisture availability and periodic exposure to water movements. By inhabiting these dynamic zones, the plant has adapted to the unique stressors of shoreline life, such as salt spray, fluctuating water levels, and sandy or silty substrates. Its presence in these specific habitats suggests a specialized ecological role within littoral and riverine communities, where it utilizes the stable but moist terrain provided by the edges of moving water bodies.

Habitat :

rivers, sea, shores

Life history

The life history of Scrophularia alatata is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, a trait that allows it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. Unlike annuals that perish after seeding or biennials that focus their energy on a two-year developmental cycle, this species maintains a long-term presence in its habitat, often utilizing established root systems to survive dormant periods. This perennial nature enables the plant to invest in structural longevity, allowing it to re-emerge and reproduce across successive years, which contributes to its stability within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Scrophularia alata is characterized by a growth form classified as an herb. It possesses a non-woody structure, lacking significant lignification in its stems. Regarding its vertical development, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 1 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Scrophularia alata is characterized by a specific phenological window, with its flowering period occurring primarily during the month of May. This seasonal activity begins in May and concludes within the same month, representing a concentrated reproductive phase. While the timing can be subject to environmental variations, the plant's reproductive cycle is defined by this specific temporal constraint within the annual cycle.

Flowering time :

May

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Scrophularia alata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Harpagoside.

Harpagoside

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)