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Aphragmus

Aphragmus is a genus of plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae). Several species within this genus have been identified and studied, particularly in regions of Asia.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aphragmus Andrz. ex DC.
• Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms and Alternative Names:
  • Oreas Chamisso (inferred based on mention alongside the Chinese name)
  • Andrzeiowskia cardamine Reichenb. (as related to Aphragmus eschscholtzianus)

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus is found from the Himalayas to northeastern Siberia.
• Specific species have been identified in Tibet, China (including Sichuan and Xizang), Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.
• Aphragmus eschscholtzianus, also known as Aleutian Cress, has been reported in a small area northwest of Haines, British Columbia, though reports are rare.
• Reported to grow at altitudes from 0 to 4110 meters.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Plants can be annual herbs, biennials, or perennials.
• Some species have a caudex (a persistent and often thickened stem base), which may be absent or thick and covered with petiolar remains from previous years.
• Some species possess slender rhizomes.
• Ladakh Rock-Cress is described as a small perennial herb, branched from the base, 2-8 cm tall, somewhat erect or ascending to spreading, often sparsely.

Ecological Role

• Aphragmus oxycarpus has been reported as a novelty to the flora of Kyrgyzstan.
• Aphragmus eschscholtzianus presence is documented in Canada, but is reported as rare.

Specific Species

• Aphragmus eschscholtzianus: Also known as Aleutian Cress or Eschscholtz's Little Nightmare.
• Aphragmus nepalensis: Found in Nepal.
• Aphragmus pygmaeus: A new species from Sichuan, China.
• Aphragmus bouffordii: A species from Tibet.
• Aphragmus oxycarpus
• Aphragmus serpens
• Aphragmus involucratus

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Information exists on the phylogenetic relationships between Aphragmus and other genera like Eutrema, Lignariella, Neomartinella, and Platycraspedum, based on nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences.

Further Information

• The Plant List includes information on Aphragmus species.
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI) provides data on Aphragmus oxycarpus.
• Flora of China provides information on Aphragmus.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aphragmus.
• BONAP's North American Plant Atlas includes information on Aphragmus eschscholtzianus.