Saussurea laniceps
| Saussurea laniceps | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Saussurea |
| Species: | S. laniceps
|
| Binomial name | |
| Saussurea laniceps Hand.-Mazz. | |
Saussurea laniceps (common name cotton-headed snow lotus,
medicinal properties according to traditional Chinese medicine.[2] Among the snow lotus, Saussurea laniceps is proven to be more effective for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects.[3]
Description and life cycle
Saussurea laniceps is herbaceous plant that grows 15–45 cm (5.9–17.7 in) tall.[1] It is perennial and monocarpic: individual plants grow slowly (for 7–10 years or more) and die after flowering. Reproductive plants produce a single enlarged
flower heads. Producing seed requires pollinators. Saussurea laniceps is pollinated by two generalist bumblebee species, Bombus rufofasticatus and Bombus festivus, that appear to specialize on Saussurea laniceps when it is flowering. Its reproductive success does not appear to be limited by pollen availability.[4]
Exploitation and its consequences
The whole plant is used medicinally, and the species is threatened in many regions by
over-exploitation.[1]
Preferential collection of the larger plants of the species for medicinal use and souvenirs appears to be causing
Saussurea medusa, shows no height differences between the protected area and the harvest area. The height differences in the plant may have unknown effects such as reduction of seed production due to shorter stalks but no studies have been done to ascertain the effects.[2]