Scrophularia koelzii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Scrophulariaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Scrophularia, specifically as the species Scrophularia koelzii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Asia. Within Western Asia, its presence is documented in Afghanistan. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in Nepal. The species is also widely distributed throughout Pakistan. Finally, its range extends across the mountainous terrain of the West Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Scrophularia koelzii is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude montane environments. This species is strictly confined to high-elevation zones, thriving within a specific altitudinal belt that spans from a minimum of 2600 m AMSL to a maximum of 3300 m AMSL. Occupying these upper reaches of the mountain landscape, the plant is subject to the unique environmental pressures characteristic of alpine or sub-alpine ecosystems, including lower atmospheric pressure, intense ultraviolet radiation, and fluctuating temperature gradients. Its presence within this specific elevational range indicates a niche requirement for the cool, temperate conditions and particular soil compositions found at these heights, making it a characteristic component of the high-altitude flora in its native habitat.

Elevational range max:

3300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2600 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Scrophularia koelzii is characterized by its classification as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative body. This plant functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its growth habit to navigate its environment without the need for external hosts, distinguishing it from obligatory or facultative climbers by its ability to maintain its own structural integrity.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

Scrokoelziside A

1. Phytochemistry