Morpho-physiological adaptations of Aconitum heterophyllum to climatic variability across the North-Western Himalayas

The altitudinal gradient across global biomes presents varying climatic challenges, where increased elevation exposes plants to stressors like intense solar radiation, reduced CO₂ and oxygen levels, lower temperatures, and stronger winds. These pressures shape plant growth, morphology, and physiology. In the north-western Himalayas, the contrasting climates of Ladakh and Kashmir foster distinct patterns in vegetation and biodiversity. Aconitum heterophyllum , a critically endangered medicinal herb, grows at elevations between 2000 and 3600 meters across regions from Ladakh to Kumaon, Uttarakhand, in the Indian Himalayan belt. This study examines how A. heterophyllum adapts morphologically, physiologically, and in growth habits within Ladakh’s cold desert climate compared to Kashmir’s temperate environment. Morphological characteristics varied considerably between the Ladakh and Kashmir sites, and significant correlations emerged between plant traits and environmental conditions across altitudes. Key physiological markers including total protein, photosynthetic pigments, organic acids, antioxidants, and biochemical profiles via fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed a decline in chlorophyll content and an increase in protein levels with rising altitude, indicating adaptive responses. These findings highlight the resilience of A. heterophyllum to the diverse climates of the north-western Himalayas locations such as Ladakh and Kashmir and suggest a need for further research to fully understand its complex trait variations in response to environmental pressures.