Actaea biternata

Actaea biternata
Actaea biternata in flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Actaea
Species:
A. biternata
Binomial name
Actaea biternata
(Siebold & Zucc.) Prantl

Actaea biternata is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Japan and the Korean Peninsula, where it occurs in temperate forest habitats.[1][2]

The species is sometimes known as southern bugbane.[3]

Description

Actaea biternata is a herbaceous perennial. Like other members of the genus, it produces compound leaves and elongated inflorescences bearing numerous small flowers.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described as Pityrosperma biternatum by Siebold and Zuccarini, and later transferred to Actaea by Prantl.[4]

It has historically been placed in the genus Cimicifuga, reflecting earlier classifications within the tribe Actaeeae.

Synonyms include:[1][2][3]

  • Cimicifuga biternata (Siebold & Zucc.) Miq.
  • Actaea obtusiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Prantl
  • Cimicifuga japonica var. biternata (Siebold & Zucc.) Finet & Gagnep.
  • Pityrosperma biternatum Siebold & Zucc. (basionym)
  • Thalictrodes biternata (Siebold & Zucc.) Kuntze

Distribution

Actaea biternata is native to eastern Asia, including Japan and South Korea.[1][2]

Occurrence records compiled by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility indicate the species has been documented widely across its range.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Actaea biternata (Siebold & Zucc.) Prantl". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Actaea biternata Prantl". World Flora Online. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Actaea biternata (Siebold & Zucc.) Prantl". GBIF. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  4. ↑ "Actaea biternata Prantl". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 7 April 2026.