Silphium perfoliatum
Silphium perfoliatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as cup plant, is a distinctive perennial herb recognized by its unique stem structure. The plant's leaves are particularly notable, often forming a circular sheath that holds water around the stem. Scientific investigations into its chemical profile have identified specialized compounds such as Chlorosilphanol A and Silphanepoxol. While the foliage is a primary feature, the plant also produces valuable pollen used in various preparations. Understanding these botanical elements provides insight into the complex biological makeup of this striking species.
- Synonyms
- Silphium Perfoliatum F. Hornemannii · Silphium Conjunctum · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Silphium perfoliatum is a unique botanical species known by a diverse array of names across different languages and cultures. In English-speaking regions, it is most commonly referred to as the Cup plant. Its identity shifts across borders, appearing as Becherpflanze in Germany and as Csészekóró in Hungary. Furthermore, the plant holds deep cultural roots with the name Asasa'weskûk. These varied designations highlight the widespread recognition and linguistic diversity surrounding this interesting plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Silphium perfoliatum is a botanical species that is frequently identified through several different taxonomic synonyms. Throughout various scientific records, it has been referred to as Resinocaulon perfoliatum and Silphium conjunctum. Other historical classifications include the names Silphium erythrocaulon and Silphium hornemannii. Additionally, the plant is sometimes categorized specifically as Silphium perfoliatum f. hornemannii. Understanding these various nomenclatures is essential for accurately identifying the plant across different botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Silphium perfoliatum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, encompassing a diverse array of living organisms. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the fundamental vascular plants. The species is further organized into the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other flowering plants. As a member of the genus Silphium, it shares specific morphological traits unique to its lineage. Finally, it finds its botanical home within the Asteraceae family, where it joins a large group of composite-flowered plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Silphium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Silphium perfoliatum exhibits a broad geographic range that spans across several distinct regions. In Asia, the species is found within the temperate zones of the Caucasus and throughout Central Asia, specifically in Kyrgyzstan. Its presence extends into Europe, where it thrives across the landscapes of Eastern Europe. This includes significant populations in Belarus, Central European Russia, and the Crimean Peninsula. Collectively, these diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to adapt to various temperate environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Silphium perfoliatum is a robust herbaceous plant known for its impressive stature and sturdy build. As a self-supporting species, it maintains a strong upright presence in its natural habitat. This herb typically reaches a minimum height of 1 meter, though many specimens grow much larger. Most mature plants thrive between 1.8 m and 2.5 m in height. Such significant vertical growth makes it a striking feature in any botanical landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Silphium perfoliatum serves as the natural source for several unique chemical compounds, specifically the labdane diterpenes chlorosilphanol A and silphanepoxol. These specific carterochaetols were successfully isolated from the leaves of the plant through rigorous laboratory analysis. Researchers utilized high-field NMR methods and X-ray crystallography to establish the precise structures and absolute stereochemistry of these molecules. Interestingly, the study demonstrated that chlorosilphanol A can be chemically converted into silphanepoxol via its acetate derivative. This discovery highlights the complex chemical profile inherent within the Silphium perfoliatum species.
Conditions
Preparations
Silphium perfoliatum is prepared as pollen and serves as a perennial Asteraceae crop of increasing agroecological interest. While research often focuses on the medicinal properties of other Asteraceae species, this plant is identified as being used moderately by pollinators like Bombus terrestris in certain landscapes. The use of this specific pollen is part of a complex nutritional landscape where foraging patterns can vary significantly from laboratory findings. Understanding how its pollen is utilized is essential for evaluating its role in pollinator-supportive cropping systems. Consequently, the availability and uptake of Silphium perfoliatum pollen remain key factors in the context of bumble bee health.
Parts used
Silphium perfoliatum serves as the botanical source for several unique chemical compounds investigated in recent studies. Researchers specifically focused on the plant's leaf to isolate the labdane diterpenes chlorosilphanol A and silphanepoxol. Through detailed spectral studies and X-ray crystallography, the precise structures and absolute stereochemistry of these compounds were successfully established. The investigation also utilized high-field NMR methods to complete the assignments for both the parent compounds and their corresponding acetates. Ultimately, these findings provide a necessary foundation for revising the structural literature regarding related carterochaetols.