Valeriana prionophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Valeriana skutchii
• Valeriana pumilio

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Dipsacales, it is a member of the family Caprifoliaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Valeriana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across the southern portions of North America and Central America. In the northern reaches of its range, it can be found specifically in Southeast Mexico. Moving southward, the species is well-established within the borders of Guatemala. Its distribution continues through Central America, where it is also documented in Costa Rica. Finally, the geographical presence of this medicinal plant extends all the way to Panamá.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Valeriana prionophylla is defined by its adaptation to high-altitude environments, where it thrives within specific montane or alpine niches. This species is characterized by a specialized distribution pattern, occupying an elevational range that reaches significant heights, with a documented minimum elevation of 3000 m AMSL. Such a high-altitude habitat typically implies an ecology shaped by intense ultraviolet radiation, lower atmospheric pressure, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Consequently, the plant is adapted to the physiological stresses of thin, rocky, or alpine soils, often found in areas with high moisture availability from snowmelt or frequent mist. Its presence at these elevations suggests a reliance on specific microclimates and specialized pollinators capable of functioning in cold, high-mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Valeriana prionophylla is characterized by a growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an aquatic or semiaquatic plant, nor does it exhibit epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial in its habitat. The plant is an independent organism, functioning without any parasitic relationship to other flora. Furthermore, it lacks climbing mechanisms, as it is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or any form of obligatory or facultative climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Valeriana prionophylla 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

Valeriana prionophylla has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 8-hydroxypinoresinol, 8-hydroxypinoresinol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Prinsepiol, prinsepiol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

8-hydroxypinoresinol

1. Journal of natural products

8-hydroxypinoresinol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Journal of natural products

Prinsepiol

1. Journal of natural products

prinsepiol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

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

Vasorelaxant

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations