Adina racemosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nauclea racemosa
• Cornus esquirolii
• Nauclea taiwaniana
• Nauclea transversa
• Adina asperula
• Sinoadina racemosa
• Adina mollifolia
• Adina nobilis
• Adina indivisa

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Adina racemosa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rubiaceae and is situated within the genus Adina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions of East Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted in the South-Central and Southeast territories. The species also extends its reach into Japan, where it can be found growing naturally. Additionally, the distribution includes the Nansei-shoto islands within the Eastern Asian region. Finally, the plant is documented to inhabit the island of Taiwan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Adina racemosa is strictly defined by its specialized high-altitude habitat, occupying a narrow ecological niche within montane environments. This species thrives within a specific vertical distribution, primarily localized in high-elevation zones where environmental conditions are distinct from lowland vegetation. Specifically, its distribution is confined to an elevational range between 1500 m AMSL and 1600 m AMSL. This restricted altitudinal belt suggests that the plant is highly adapted to the unique temperature gradients, atmospheric pressures, and moisture regimes characteristic of these specific mountain elevations. Such a specialized range indicates that Adina racemosa likely relies on precise climatic stability and specific soil profiles found only within this 100-meter elevation window to maintain its physiological processes and reproductive success.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Adina racemosa is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within this classification, it specifically exhibits the traits of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains a woody structure to protect its buds, it typically grows as a relatively small tree or large shrub. This life strategy allows the plant to endure seasonal environmental fluctuations by storing energy in its perennial woody tissues, ensuring its survival through various climatic cycles.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Adina racemosa is characterized by a woody growth form that allows it to function as both a tree and a shrub. This species typically reaches a plant height ranging from a minimum of 4 m to a maximum of 12 m. It is a self-supporting plant, exhibiting no climbing tendencies, and functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species, growing directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Adina racemosa has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. Journal of natural products

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Adina racemosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Grandifloroside 11-methyl ester.

Grandifloroside 11-methyl ester

1. Journal of natural products