Asian Foam flower

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Asian Foam flower
• Chinese Foamflower

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 Saxifragales, it is classified under the family Saxifragaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Tiarella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several key regions in Eastern Asia. Within China, its range extends from the South-Central provinces to the North-Central areas. It is also found throughout the Southeast regions of China and reaches into the high altitudes of Tibet. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species is distributed across the island nation of Japan. Together, these locations define its specific ecological footprint across the East Asian landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tiarella polyphylla is defined by its specialized adaptation to montane and subalpine environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is typically found across a significant altitudinal gradient, occupying habitats that range from a minimum elevation of 1820 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 3800 m AMSL. Within this range, the plant is adapted to the unique microclimates of high-altitude ecosystems, often occurring in moist, shaded forest understories or rocky slopes where moisture levels are consistent. Its ability to persist up to such high elevations suggests a robust physiological tolerance for cooler temperatures and varying seasonal snowpacks characteristic of its native mountain ranges.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1820 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Tiarella polyphylla is characterized by a non-woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a herb. It functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte, growing directly in the soil. In terms of its climbing habits, the species is classified as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on other structures for upward movement through obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Tiarella polyphylla has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Corosolic acid, Tormentic acid.

Corosolic acid

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Tormentic acid

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Preparations

Tiarella polyphylla has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include MeOH extract.

Meoh extract

1. Archives of pharmacal research