Tanacetum polycephalum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pyrethrum polycephalum
• Tanacetum argyrophyllum var. polycephalum

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 Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Tanacetum. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined as Tanacetum polycephalum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the Western Asian and Caucasian regions. Within the Caucasus, its distribution is primarily noted in the Transcaucasus area. Moving into Western Asia, the species is found across the mountainous terrains of Türkiye. It also extends its presence into the territories of Iraq. Finally, the plant can be located within the diverse landscapes of Iran.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tanacetum polycephalum is characterized by its adaptation to diverse high-altitude landscapes, primarily occupying meadows, steppe environments, and stony places. This species thrives within a specific altitudinal gradient, typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 2500 m AMSL. Its ability to colonize both open grassy steppes and more rugged, rocky terrain suggests a robust tolerance for varying substrate compositions and exposure levels found in these montane ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Habitat :

meadows, steppe, stony places

Life history

The life history of Tanacetum polycephalum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete cycle of death and rebirth seen in annuals, instead establishing robust root systems that facilitate survival during dormant periods. This lifecycle enables the plant to accumulate resources over several years, often leading to increased vigor and more substantial reproductive efforts in subsequent seasons compared to single-season species. Through this perennial strategy, the plant can maintain a stable presence within its ecological niche, repeatedly undergoing seasonal growth cycles that contribute to its long-term population stability.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tanacetum polycephalum is characterized by its herbaceous growth form, presenting as a non-woody plant. It typically reaches a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.6 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Tanacetum polycephalum is closely tied to its seasonal flowering cycle, which dictates its reproductive success and seed production. The plant enters its flowering phase in June, marking the onset of its reproductive period. This flowering stage continues through the summer months, eventually reaching its conclusion in August. During this window, the plant produces its characteristic inflorescences, facilitating the necessary biological processes for pollination and subsequent seed dispersal.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Tanacetum polycephalum has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, Borneol, camphor, BORNYL ACETATE, Carvotanacetone.

1,8-Cineole

1. Scientific reports
2. Natural product research

Borneol

1. Scientific reports
2. Natural product research

camphor

1. Scientific reports
2. Natural product research

BORNYL ACETATE

1. Natural product research

Carvotanacetone

1. Scientific reports

Chrysanthenone

1. Scientific reports

Terpinen-4-ol

1. Scientific reports

cis-Thujone

1. Natural product research

trans-thujone

1. Natural product research

Activities

Tanacetum polycephalum has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anesthetic, Antiseptic, Expectorant.

Analgesic

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Anesthetic

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Antiseptic

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Expectorant

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Medicinal Uses

Tanacetum polycephalum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, anesthetic, anti-allergic, antiseptic, expectorant.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations