Stellaria yunnanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Caryophyllaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Stellaria, specifically as the species Stellaria yunnanensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Stellaria yunnanensis, 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 throughout the South-Central region of the country. This particular area provides the unique environmental conditions necessary for its survival and growth. Consequently, its distribution remains relatively restricted to these specific southern provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Stellaria yunnanensis is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, finding its optimal growing conditions at a mean altitude of 2525 m AMSL. Its distribution spans from lower montane zones starting at 1800 m AMSL up to high-altitude reaches that peak at 3250 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal gradient suggests an ability to tolerate varying thermal regimes and atmospheric pressures characteristic of mountain ecosystems, allowing it to colonize diverse microclimates across a vertical span of 1450 meters.

Elevational range max:

3250 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2525 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Stellaria yunnanensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant maintains its vegetative structures over time, enabling it to re-emerge and continue its biological processes once favorable environmental conditions return. This life cycle supports its long-term establishment within its ecological niche, providing a consistent presence in its habitat compared to annual or biennial counterparts.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stellaria yunnanensis is characterized by its herbaceous growth form, presenting as a non-woody herb. This plant typically exhibits a self-supporting growth habit rather than acting as a climber. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 0.8 m, with an average height of around 0.55 m, and can be found growing as short as 0.3 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height mean:

0.55 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological development of Stellaria yunnanensis is characterized by specific morphological dimensions of its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic efficiency and resource acquisition. The leaves exhibit a distinct size variation, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 5 cm, maintaining a mean length of approximately 4 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width demonstrates a narrow profile, spanning from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 1 cm. These precise leaf dimensions contribute to the plant's overall structural physiology, governing the surface area available for gas exchange and light interception within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length mean:

4 cm

Leaf length min:

3 cm

Leaf width max:

1 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Stellaria yunnanensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Stellaria yunnanensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include YUNNANIN C.

YUNNANIN C

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Stellaria yunnanensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of natural products