Rhodiola

Taxonomy

Although Linnaeus distinguished Rhodiola from Sedum on the basis of being dioecious, it was later submerged in the latter genus until the twentieth century, when it was restored, on the basis of well developed rhizomes and annual flowering stems, arising from axils of the scaly radical leaves. This separation was subsequently confirmed by molecular phylogenetic studies.

Rhodiola is placed within family Crassulaceae, in subfamily Sempervivoideae, tribe Umbiliceae. There it is a sister group to Pseudosedum, though some authors have suggested that the latter genus be submersed within Rhodiola.

Subdivision

Traditionally Rhodiola was divided into subgenera, sections and series, based on plant characteristics. Four subgenera were recognised; Rhodiola, Primuloides, Crassipedes and Clementsia. However molecular studies have failed to demonstrate monophyly of these subtaxa.

Species include:

• Rhodiola crenulata
• Rhodiola integrifolia
• Rhodiola pachyclados
• Rhodiola rhodantha
• Rhodiola rosea

Etymology

The name combines the Greek rhodon, meaning rose and referring to the rose-like smell of the roots, with the Latin diminutive suffix -iola.

Ecology

Dioecy, having separate male and female flowers, has evolved at least three times in the genus, and reversals to a hermaphrodite condition have also occurred, which is a rare occurrence in flowering plants. It has been suggested that dioecy in the genus may correlate with abiotic pollination in the cold environment.

Uses

Rhodiola is sold to promote a variety of uses, specifically in physical health, with the plant being used historically in medicine throughout Europe. A number of species are grown as ornamentals, but growing them is difficult outside their native subarctic and alpine climates.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Rhodiola is used for fatigue, hypoxia, radiation, etc.