Zygophyllum eichwaldii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Zygophyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a specific species found within the unique landscapes of Central Asia. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated in the territories of Turkmenistan. Additionally, the species can be located throughout various regions of Uzbekistan. These two countries represent the core geographical range for this medicinal plant. Consequently, its distribution is closely tied to the specific environmental conditions of these Central Asian nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zygophyllum eichwaldii is defined by its specialized adaptation to extreme arid environments, specifically thriving within desert ecosystems characterized by loose, sandy substrates. As a desert-specialist, the plant is evolutionarily fine-tuned to inhabit sand dunes and sandy plains where water availability is minimal and soil stability is low. This preference for sandy habitats allows the species to navigate the thermal fluctuations and moisture constraints typical of desert landscapes, utilizing the porous nature of the sand to manage root development and moisture uptake in a highly xeric setting.

Habitat :

desert, sand

Life history

The life history of Zygophyllum eichwaldii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons within its ecological niche. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete mortality associated with annuals, instead utilizing specialized structures to endure environmental fluctuations and ensure long-term survival. This extended lifespan enables the plant to establish a robust presence in its habitat, frequently engaging in repeated reproductive cycles over several years rather than relying on a single seasonal event.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Zygophyllum eichwaldii is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, functioning independently of epiphytic lifestyles such as holoepiphytic, hemiepiphytic, or facultative modes. It does not exhibit parasitic behaviors, maintaining an independent life cycle rather than being an obligatory or facultative parasite. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant maintains a relatively modest stature, reaching a maximum plant height of 1 meter.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

1 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zygophyllum eichwaldii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering period is primarily concentrated in the spring, with the flowering start occurring in April. This reproductive phase continues through the subsequent month, reaching its flowering end in May. While the biological processes are centered around this timeframe, the timing can be subject to environmental variables, though the core phenological data indicates this narrow window as the critical period for its floral development.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Zygophyllum eichwaldii has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid, 7-Acetoxy-4-methyl coumarin, Flavonoid, Flavonoids, STILBENE.

(E)-9-Octadecenoic acid

1. Heliyon

7-Acetoxy-4-methyl coumarin

1. BioMed research international

Flavonoid

1. BMC plant biology

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

STILBENE

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Tribuloside

1. BioMed research international

Urs-20(30)-en-3-ol

1. Heliyon

Zygophyloside F

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Zygophyloside G

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

cis-vaccenic acid

1. Heliyon

Activities

Zygophyllum eichwaldii has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. Heliyon

Antioxidant

1. Heliyon

Preparations