Xylanthemum fisherae

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pyrethrum fisherae
• Cancrinia rupestris
• Chrysanthemum fisherae
• Chrysanthemum polycladum
• Chrysanthemum popovii
• Tanacetum fisherae
• Tanacetum rupestre
• Xylanthemum polycladum
• Xylanthemum rupestre

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. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Xylanthemum, within which the species Xylanthemum fisherae is located.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range spanning across several distinct regions. In Central Asia, it can be found growing within the territories of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Moving toward Western Asia, the species is also documented to inhabit Afghanistan. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within Pakistan. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Xylanthemum fisherae is characterized by its adaptation to high-altitude environments, specifically within mountainous terrains. This species thrives in rocky and stony places, where it occupies niches shaped by rugged topography. Its distribution is vertically constrained to a significant elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum of 1600 m AMSL to a maximum of 3800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1600 m AMSL

Habitat :

mountains, stony places

Life history

The life history of Xylanthemum fisherae is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single year or biennials that require two, this species maintains a long-term presence, which facilitates its adaptation to specific ecological niches. As a perennial, it undergoes cyclic patterns of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, often developing more robust structures over time to support its survival and seed production across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Xylanthemum fisherae is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure. It is a terrestrial plant, meaning it grows on the ground rather than as an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant is relatively diminutive, with a height that ranges from a minimum of 0.06 m to a maximum of 0.25 m. Furthermore, it functions as an obligatory parasite.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height min:

0.06 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Xylanthemum fisherae is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive period. The flowering process is concentrated within a distinct window, with the onset of flowering occurring in August. This reproductive phase is relatively brief or highly localized in its peak, as the flowering period concludes within the same month of August. Consequently, the plant exhibits a highly synchronized reproductive timing, where the transition from bud development to full anthesis and subsequent senescence occurs within this specific late-summer timeframe.

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Xylanthemum fisherae has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. Natural product communications

Leaf

1. Natural product communications

Chemicals

Xylanthemum fisherae has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, Borneol, TERPINENE-4-OL, cis-Piperitol, cis-p-2-Menthen-1-ol.

1,8-Cineole

1. Natural product communications
2. Natural product research

Borneol

1. Natural product research

TERPINENE-4-OL

1. Natural product research

cis-Piperitol

1. Natural product research

cis-p-2-Menthen-1-ol

1. Natural product research

trans-Piperitol

1. Natural product research

trans-p-2-Menthen-1-ol

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Xylanthemum fisherae has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil.

Essential oil

1. Natural product communications