Scutellaria litwinowii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Scutellaria, specifically as the species Scutellaria litwinowii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Scutellaria litwinowii, exhibits a specific range across several regions of Asia. In Central Asia, its presence is recorded within the borders of Turkmenistan. Moving toward Western Asia, the species can also be found growing in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the plant's distribution extends into the territory of Iran. Collectively, these locations define the known geographical footprint of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Scutellaria litwinowii is characterized by its specific preference for elevated terrains, primarily inhabiting hilly regions. These hills provide the necessary topographic variation and drainage patterns essential for its growth patterns. Within these hilly habitats, the plant occupies niches that allow it to integrate into the local ecosystem, responding to the specific microclimatic conditions and soil compositions found on such slopes.

Habitat :

hills

Life history

The life history of Scutellaria litwinowii is characterized by its specific growth habit and survival strategy, classified under the life form category of chamaephyte. This classification indicates that the plant maintains its perennating buds close to the soil surface, typically within a few centimeters, allowing it to withstand environmental stressors such as seasonal temperature fluctuations or grazing. As a chamaephyte, it occupies a niche where its reproductive and vegetative structures are kept low to the ground, ensuring stability and resilience in its native habitat. This life form strategy facilitates its persistence in specific ecological conditions, balancing the need for seasonal growth with a protected dormant period.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Scutellaria litwinowii is characterized by a growth form classified as a subshrub with shrub-like tendencies, exhibiting a woody structure throughout its development. This plant is a terrestrial, independent species that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a self-supporting habit without the need for climbing mechanisms. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing specimen, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.17 m to a maximum of 0.25 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height min:

0.17 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Scutellaria litwinowii is characterized by a specific phenological window during its flowering stage. The plant initiates its flowering period starting in April, marking the commencement of its reproductive cycle for the season. This flowering phase continues through the spring, reaching its conclusion in May. While the timing can be subject to seasonal variability, the primary window for floral development and subsequent pollination is concentrated within these two months.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

Neobaicalein

1. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences

Activities

Scutellaria litwinowii has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Apoptotic.

Anticancer

1. Nutrition and cancer

Apoptotic

1. Nutrition and cancer

Conditions

Scutellaria litwinowii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hematological malignancies.

Hematological malignancies

1. Nutrition and cancer