Scutellaria hypericifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Scutellaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Scutellaria hypericifolia, possesses a specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the diverse landscapes of China. More specifically, the species is found inhabiting the regions of South-Central China. This particular distribution suggests that the plant thrives under the unique climatic conditions found in these southern provinces. Consequently, its occurrence is a defining characteristic of the regional flora in that part of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Scutellaria hypericiifolia is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its existence over multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle within a single year. Structurally, the plant functions as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by residual leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This hemicryptophytic growth strategy allows the plant to persist through seasonal changes, emerging from the ground to continue its vegetative and reproductive cycles annually.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Scutellaria hypericifolia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and specifically a forb. The plant is a self-supporting species, exhibiting a climbing habit that does not require external structures for support, though it remains primarily an independent organism rather than a parasite. It functions as a terrestrial plant, establishing itself in soil-based habitats.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Scutellaria hypericifolia is primarily driven by the production of seeds following successful pollination, typically facilitated by insect vectors that visit its flowers. The plant produces numerous small seeds that serve as the primary mechanism for dispersal and the establishment of new individuals within its habitat. Quantitatively, the reproductive output is characterized by a specific seed mass, where the mean seed mass is recorded at 0.11 g. This weight plays a crucial role in the seed's ability to survive initial dormancy and provide the necessary nutrient reserves for successful germination in the soil. Once the seeds are released, they contribute to the spatial distribution and genetic continuity of the species across its growing range.

Seed mass mean:

0.11 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Scutellaria hypericifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Baicalin.

Baicalin

1. Frontiers in plant science