Chinese perfume tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese Perfume Plant
• Mock Lime
• Chinese perfume tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Opilia odorata
• Aglaia odorata var. microphyllina
• Aglaia oblanceolata
• Aglaia pentaphylla
• Camunium chinense
• Aglaia repoeuensis
• Aglaia sinensis
• Aglaia duperreana
• Aglaia chaudocensis
• Aglaia odorata var. chaudocensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Sapindales, it is a member of the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Aglaiat.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several specific regions in Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the Hainan province as well as throughout China Southeast. Moving into the Indo-China region, the species can be found growing in Cambodia. It also maintains a distribution within the borders of Laos. Finally, the plant is documented to inhabit various areas of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Aglaiya odorata is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically categorized under both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte designations, which indicates that its perennating buds are located on aerial shoots well above the ground. Furthermore, the plant exhibits an evergreen deciduousness, maintaining its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aglaias odorata is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub. It functions as a self-supporting plant, categorized as a liana or vine that does not require external structures for stability. The plant reaches a mean height of approximately 8 m and is classified as a terrestrial species, rather than an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Aglaias odorata is characterized by a complex metabolic framework focused on the synthesis of various bioactive secondary metabolites, which are primarily sequestered within its glandular structures. From a nutritional standpoint, the plant does not possess the specialized symbiotic mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen assimilation; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. This absence of nitrogen fixation capability means the plant relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and cellular development. Its physiological processes involve efficient transpiration rates and a robust photosynthetic pathway to support its growth in tropical or subtropical environments, where it manages water use efficiency to maintain turgor pressure and metabolic stability. The plant's internal regulation is highly tuned to the production of essential oils and aromatic compounds, a process that requires a steady supply of carbon skeletons derived from its primary photosynthetic activities.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aglaias odorata is driven by biotic mechanisms, specifically characterized by a pollination syndrome that relies on living organisms rather than abiotic factors. This plant utilizes insect-mediated pollination to facilitate its reproductive cycle, involving various insect species to ensure the transfer of pollen. Furthermore, the reproductive process is governed by the absence of self-fertilization, indicating that the plant requires cross-pollination to achieve successful fertilization and genetic diversity.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aglaia odorata has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Phytochemistry
2. Journal of natural products

Stem

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Aglaia odorata has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Rocaglaol, AGLAFOLIN, Aglaiol, Aglaiondiol, BETA-SITOSTEROL.

Rocaglaol

1. Dr. Duke
2. Bioorganic chemistry
3. Journal of natural products

AGLAFOLIN

1. Dr. Duke

Aglaiol

1. Dr. Duke

Aglaiondiol

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Dr. Duke

Cerebrosides

1. Natural product communications

Desmethylrocaglamide

1. Dr. Duke

Pyrimidinone

1. Journal of natural products

Rocaglamide

1. Dr. Duke

cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Activities

Aglaia odorata has 47 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Androgenic, Angiogenic, Anorexic, Antiadenomic, Antiandrogenic.

Androgenic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Anorexic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiadenomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiandrogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Cervix)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Lung)

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Aglaia odorata has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include HSV-1, Pyricularia grisea, colorectal cancer.

Hsv-1

1. Antiviral research

Pyricularia grisea

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Colorectal cancer

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Preparations

Aglaia odorata has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract.

Extract

1. Antiviral research