4 of the Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia l Our Breathing Planet

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this article about 4 of the Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia. Obviously, as well as sadly, these represent only a tiny portion of similar plants in the same region that now find themselves imperiled. But, we hope that reading and learning more about these particular selections will help bring the issue more to our reader’s attention. Aside from their basic similarity of being herbaceous in nature, these 4 vary significantly. But the same holds true for all the species now facing extreme danger throughout our world.

Black Bat Flower

Black Bat Flower Facts

The first of our choice for inclusion in this article about 4 of the Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia is one that truly stands out, the Black Bat Flower.
First of all, the species, also known as the Tacca chantrieri, represents a truly unique variety of flowering plant. Believe it or not, it also forms a member of the yam family. However, though not considered toxic, it is not considered edible, either.
This astounding form of life constitutes a most unusual species due to one specific reason. That’s the fact the fascinating flowers develop as black in color. This astounding characteristic ranks it as one of the few known flowers of which this holds true.
Further, many people consider the impressive blooms it develops to have a somewhat bat-like shape. This therefore serves as the source of the common name. Though black remains the predominant color, the flower also occasionally develops in white or brown.
Finally, while it does not presently hold an official listing with the IUCN, most experts currently consider the species to be endangered. While it faces other dangers, climate change represents its greatest threat, due to its need for a highly specific type of habitat.

Black Bat Flower, Tacca chantrieri — Source: https://bit.ly/2sDJTwl Photographer: Navaneeth Krishnan S CC License: https://bit.ly/1p2b8Ke

Black Bat Flower Physical Description

Firstly, regardless of its unusual appearance, the awesome Black Bat Flower typically does not stand out to the eye when not blooming. That holds true due to the fact that it remains an average-sized plant. This surprising beauty attains a height of roughly 36 in (91 cm).

The amazing species also often develops numerous delicate-seeming tendrils that spread out from it. These features sometimes reach as much as 28 in (71 cm) in length. These give the plant a fascinating addition to its already distinctive look.

However, the most impressive part of the plant remains its unique bloom. This incredible flower often reaches a width of as much as 12 in (30 cm). Meanwhile, the modified leaves reach lengths of as much as 28 in (71 cm) in length.

Furthermore, the wide bloom consists of 2 large dark brackets. Not only that, but the long modified leaves fork at the ends. The dark brackets look like wings, and the leaves resemble the whiskers of a bat, hence the name.

Finally, the other leaves of the plant develop a marvelous bright green color. These same leaves also have a very smooth texture. In addition, the species produces an underground bulb used to store nutrients for a future need.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Dioscoreales
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus: Tacca
Species: T. chantrieri

Black Bat Flower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

It bears mentioning that the remarkable Black Bat Flower developed as endemic to a comparatively wide range. This includes specific regions of Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand and parts of China.

Sadly, however, all 10 known varieties of this plant have become extremely rare in the wild. Furthermore, efforts to cultivate the plant rarely succeed. Although researchers continue to make the attempt, the reason for this failure eludes them.

But this unique flower requires very specific habitat types to flourish. Its primary natural habitat consists of areas of tropical jungle. This astounding perennial also requires high levels of humidity, shade, and well-drained soil in order to truly thrive.

In conclusion, to add to its impressiveness, the various varieties also bloom at different times. These times range from late Spring to early Fall. The genus blooms repeatedly, however, often as much as 8 times in a single season.

Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant

Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant Facts

Placing second out of our choices of 4 Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia comes the magnificent Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant.
First of all, this incredible pitcher plant ranks as one of the largest carnivorous plants known to exist. As a result of its great size, its bowl actually measures large enough to occasionally trap and digest small rodents.
Not surprisingly, this remarkable plant bears the name of the famed naturalist Sir David Attenborough. He has been a great enthusiast of the entire genus, throughout his life. His work also continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
In addition, many botanists list this species as one of the 10 rarest plants in the world. As s direct result of this, the IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered. It also inhabits a range that is both extremely restricted and isolated. This fact serves to further earn the status.

Attenborough's Pitcher Plant, Nepenthes attenboroughii — Source: http://bit.ly/2QNXznz

Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant Physical Description

Firstly, the Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant genuinely earns its listing as one of the largest known carnivorous plants. That holds true because the species remains capable of attaining great heights. The plant sometimes attains a height of slightly less than 4.9 ft (1.5 m).

Furthermore, the stem reaches as much as 1.4 in (3.5 cm) in thickness. In addition, the leaves vary in size depending on which part of the plant they develop on. Those on the stem grow the largest, averaging 15.8 in (40 cm) in length, and 6 in (15 cm) in width. Its colors also vary and include green, brown, and purple.

Also, these plants evolved as dioecious and display a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. The male inflorescences occasionally reaches as much as 31 in (80 cm) in length. Yet those of the smaller female average only 25.5 in (65 cm) long.

However,the pitcher itself remains its best known feature by far. That’s due to the fact that it ranks as one of the largest known to man. In fact, some individual specimens achieve a total volume of as much as 2.1 qt (2 l).

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nepenthaceae
Genus: Nepenthes
Species: N. attenboroughii

Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Sadly, the rather incredible Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant evolved with an extremely restricted habitat range. To be more precise, this carnivorous marvel of Nature only lives on the Victoria Massif, in Palawan, in Asia.

It also only inhabits a specific area, even there. It only grows at altitudes of more than 4,757 ft (1,450 m) above sea level. In addition, the species only develops among shrubs of less than 5.9 ft (1.8 m) in height. It primarily grows in regions rocky soil.

While this species has been proven to occasionally feed on rodents, its principal prey consists of large insects. Furthermore, these plants developed a symbiotic relationship with mosquitoes. The larva live in the water that collects in its bowl.

Balanophora coralliformis

Balanophora coralliformis Facts

The third of our selections of 4 of the Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia, the Balanophora coralliformis, places there only due to random chance.
Most notably, the most memorable thing about the plant remains its appearance. That’s because this remarkable species truly makes for a rather distinctive looking plant, from any perspective. However, it also deserves concern for several other reasons.
That’s because, in addition to its sheer appearance, it distinguishes itself from related species in a most unfortunate manner. That holds true due to the fact that it only appears to exist in one location. Not only that, but this incredible species also exists in only one type of habitat.
In addition, for the moment, at least, researchers known of the existence of only 50 individuals plants. Due to these two factors, the IUCN quite understandably currently lists it as Endangered, pending further information. It also owes this status to the fact that the region it inhabits currently has no protection.

Balanophora coralliformis Physical Description

First of all, the Balanophora coralliformis makes for a rather strangely shaped parasitic plant. Additionally, as with other parasitic plants, it does not possess chlorophyll. Therefore, the astonishing species remains incapable of photosynthesis.

This herbaceous plant also forms in small clumps up to 12 in (30 cm) in height. The rather unique species further produces numerous branches reminiscent of the shape of coral. This represents the source of the scientific name.

The marvel of Nature also appears to be dioecious in nature. The branches develop tube-shaped and attain lengths of as much as 2 in (5 cm). In color, the Balanophora coralliformis is a random combination of various shades of brown.

In addition, for reasons that presently remain a mystery, each individual plant also produces only 2-3 leaves. These few leaves typically appear as a darker yellow in color. Finally, no fruits have yet been observed on any specimens found.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Santalales
Family: Balanophoraceae
Genus: Balanophora
Species: B. coralliformis

Balanophora coralliformis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecolgy

To date, the one location the visually remarkable Balanophora coralliformis only seems to exist on remains quite remote. Its only known habitat to date consists of the southwestern slope of Mount Mingan, in the Philippines, in Asia.

Furthermore, all currently known individuals also inhabit a highly specific range, in addition to everything else restricting it. So far, researchers only know of the very few specimens that live at elevations between 4,800-5,600 ft (1,465-1,735 m).

Not only that, but within these areas, it has been found exclusively in forest regions with heavy concentrations of moss. For the moment, experts do not know if this is pure coincidence, or if it forms a necessary part of its life cycle.

Obviously, given its scant numbers, it faces many threats to its continued existence. However,the greatest threats to the species consist of slash and burn agricultural practices. Illegal logging in the area it exists in also presents a danger. Naturally, considering everything, climate change also threatens it.

Baikal Sedge

Baikal Sedge Facts

The final entry in this compendium of 4 of the Threatened Herbaceous Plants of Asia is the amazing Baikal Sedge. But don’t let its’ appearance fool you.
Most notably, and also quite unfortunately, the remarkable Baikal Sedge ranks as an exceedingly rare plant. In fact, this marvelous specimen of Nature only exists in a handful of individual locations. This somewhat puzzling species remains extant in only 14 known groupings which also exist scattered globally.
Presumably, the surprising little plant could have once possessed a greater distribution. For the moment, however, researchers remain uncertain about this possibility. Furthermore, it also remains possible that one population, located in Asia, was accidentally transplanted. For now, it’s history represents a rather fascinating mystery.
Sadly, its position currently remains quite tenuous. This fact holds true due to a combination of factors, not just because of its scarcity. It also faces threats from several invasive species, which compete with it for territory. In addition, off-road recreational vehicles remain quite popular in some of its areas of habitation. But, climate change remains its greatest threat.

Baikal Sedge, Carex sabulosa — Source: http://bit.ly/2oXHuKu Photo Credit: UBC Botany

Baikal Sedge Physical Description

First of all, the delicate seeming Baikal Sedge evolved as a small perennial species. The species appears delicate and fragile, but the reality remains quite the opposite. In fact, this surprising plant variety actually represents a comparatively hardy species.

Firstly, the stems of the plant develop as somewhat fragile, since these stay rather thin. As a result of this tendency, the feature has a decided habit of drooping significantly. These same stems occasionally attain a length of as much as 13.8 in (35 cm) in length.

The plant also grows in fairly dense tufts, compared to related species. Furthermore, it generally produces long rhizomes. As a result, the natural marvel possesses the ability to cover large portions of sand within its native habitat range.

In addition, the leaves of the Baikal Sedge generally remain short in length. Also,, these typically display a grayish-green color. Flowers bloom diminutive and occur in small clusters. Also, these range greatly in color from yellowish green to purplish-black.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Anthophyta
Class: Monocotyledoneae
Order: Cyperales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Carex
Species: C. sabulosa

Baikal Sedge Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Perhaps most importantly, the vast majority of Baikal Sedge appears endemically in five regions in the southwest Yukon. Furthermore, four of these exist in Canada, in North America. Yet the fifth population grouping appears in the state of Alaska.

The four concentrations occurring in the country of Canada represents the majority of the population of the species. Yet a few populations actually occur in a completely surprising location, thus the mystery surrounding it.

This remarkable concentration occurs roughly 1,864 mi (3,000 km) away. These occur in central Asia. For the moment, no conclusive explanation for this separation presents itself. The leading theory suggests that these were transplanted there, either intentionally or accidentally.

Currently, all known populations grow in either active or semi-stabilized sand dunes. In these locations, the Baikal Sedge usually forms the only plant present. Reproduction occurs either by seeds or by sending up new shoots. However, it has been noted that deeper sand accumulations may impede shoot production.

Only a few of the populations of this species grow in a protected area. These occur in the Kluane National Park and Reserve, in Canada. This serves as the reason that the majority of the plant appears to be unfortunately highly threatened by habitat loss.