Valeriana italica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Valeriana siifolia
• Valeriana dioscoridis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dipsacales, falling under the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Valeriana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the southeastern regions of Europe. Its presence is well-documented across the Balkan Peninsula, specifically in Albania and Bulgaria. It can also be found extensively throughout Greece, including the island of Kriti. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the European portion of Türkiye. These specific locations highlight its regional prevalence within the Mediterranean and southeastern European landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Valeriana italica is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, the species is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, typically protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This hemicryptophytic growth habit ensures its survival and ability to regenerate annually from these protected buds, supporting its long-term presence in its natural habitat.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Valeriana italica is characterized by a robust growth habit that allows it to adapt to varying moisture levels, functioning across a spectrum of habitats including aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. The plant features an extensive, fleshy rhizome system that serves as a primary storage organ, from which multiple erect, leafy stems emerge. These stems are typically unbranched or sparsely branched, bearing opposite or whorled leaves that transition from basal rosettes to smaller, sessile arrangements toward the apex. The inflorescence is composed of dense, terminal cymes containing small, tubular flowers that are characteristic of the Caprifoliaceae family. In terms of its biological lifestyle, the species is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with other plants and functioning through its own metabolic processes rather than relying on a host.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Valeriana italica 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. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Valeriana italica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phytosterol.

Phytosterol

1. Fitoterapia

Activities

Valeriana italica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.

Antiproliferative

1. Fitoterapia