Beancaper

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Beancaper

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Zygophyllum, specifically as the species Zygophyllum oxianum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within Central and Western Asia. In the Central Asian territory, it can be found throughout the landscapes of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Its presence extends further into the mountainous and arid regions of Tajikistan. Additionally, the species is documented across the diverse terrains of Uzbekistan. Finally, its geographical range reaches into Western Asia, specifically within the borders of Afghanistan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zygophyllum oxianum is characterized by its preference for specific soil compositions and topographical positioning. This species thrives in saline places and sandy substrates, demonstrating a specialized adaptation to these potentially harsh soil conditions. In terms of vertical distribution, the plant occupies a distinct altitudinal niche, ranging from a minimum elevation of 300 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 700 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Habitat :

saline places, sand

Life history

The life history of Zygophyllum oxianum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived plant, it undergoes cyclic developmental stages that enable it to withstand seasonal fluctuations, often employing specialized physiological adaptations to survive periods of environmental stress. This perennial nature ensures that the plant can establish a robust presence within its habitat, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases. Throughout its lifespan, the plant manages resource allocation to maintain its structural integrity and ensure successful flowering and seed production across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Zygophyllum oxianum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. The plant typically maintains a relatively low stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zygophyllum oxianum is characterized by a seasonal flowering cycle that is highly variable depending on environmental conditions. The flowering period typically begins around March, though the onset can fluctuate across a wide range of months including January, February, and even later in the year. The peak reproductive activity transitions through the spring months, with the flowering season generally concluding around April, although the specific end date remains variable and can shift throughout the calendar year.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Zygophyllum oxianum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include OLEANOLIC ACID, Ursolic acid.

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Ursolic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)