Chinese cinquefoil (Potentilla chinensis, A. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 2:581. 1825)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Ser.

Bibliography: A. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 2:581. 1825

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mongolia to Russian Far East and Temp. E. Asia

Description

Chinese cinquefoil, known scientifically as Potentilla chinensis, is a fascinating and resilient species belonging to the Rosaceae family. First documented in the early 19th century by the esteemed botanist A. P. de Candolle in his landmark work, “Prodr.” (Prodomus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis) published in 1825, this particular species was later authored by Ser.

The Chinese cinquefoil has a wide-ranging habitat, extending from the steppes of Mongolia to the cooler regions of the Russian Far East and temperate zones of East Asia. This geographical spread highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions, from harsh, frigid environments to more temperate climates.

In appearance, the Chinese cinquefoil is a herbaceous perennial, characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers, which typically bloom during the late spring and summer months. The foliage is a distinguishable aspect of this plant, with leaves divided into five distinct lobes, resembling the spread fingers of a hand—hence the name cinquefoil, meaning “five leaves.”

Traditionally, Potentilla chinensis has been utilized in various cultural practices across its native regions. In addition to its ornamental value, certain parts of the plant have been employed in herbal remedies, reflecting the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of local populations. The plant’s roots and leaves are sometimes harvested for their supposed benefits in traditional medicine.

Ecologically, Chinese cinquefoil plays a vital role in its native habitats. It contributes to the biodiversity of these regions, providing sustenance for a range of insects and acting as a stabilizing force in the soil ecosystem, helping to prevent erosion with its extensive root system.

In conclusion, Potentilla chinensis thrives across a vast expanse of Asia, adapting seamlessly to diverse environments. Its bright flowers and unique foliage make it a plant of both aesthetic and ecological significance. The extensive cataloging work by early botanists, such as de Candolle, ensures that this species is well-documented, contributing to our understanding of the rich tapestry of plant life that exists across the globe.

Common Names

Eng: chinese cinquefoil
En: Chinese cinquefoil
Zh: Wei ling cai

Synonyms

• Potentilla pensylvanica var. japonica (Maxim. ex Th.Wolf)
• Potentilla pseudochinensis (Nakai)
• Potentilla chinensis var. lineariloba (Franch. & Sav.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. littoralis (Nakai)
• Potentilla chinensis var. xerogenes (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Potentilla exaltata (Bunge)
• Potentilla chinensis var. latifida (Koidz.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. pseudochinensis (Nakai)
• Potentilla chinensis var. micrantha (Franch. & Sav.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. oligodonta (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. platyloba (Liou & C.Y.Li)
• Potentilla chinensis var. serrulata (Matsum. & Nakai)
• Potentilla chinensis var. divaricata (Koidz.)
• Potentilla chinensis f. lineariloba ((Franch. & Sav.) Makino & Nemoto)
• Potentilla chinensis subsp. trigonodonta (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. hirtella (Franch. & Sav.)
• Potentilla chinensis var. ramosa (Franch. & Sav.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 16, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5365665)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:727854-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla chinensis Ser.)

Specifications

Growth