Allophylus cobbe

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Allophylus cobbe, exhibits a specific geographical range across the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing within the diverse landscapes of India and the state of Assam. Its distribution also extends into the neighboring nation of Bangladesh. Additionally, the species is located in the island territories of the Maldives and the Laccadive Islands. These locations highlight the plant's presence in both mainland and oceanic environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Allophylus cobbe is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. In terms of its structural growth habit, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte traits, which indicates that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems or branches. This life form allows the plant to maintain a stable, long-term presence in its environment, utilizing its elevated buds to survive unfavorable seasonal conditions.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Allophylus cobbe is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. While it exhibits a self-supporting habit rather than climbing as a liana or vine, its structural development allows it to reach a significant size. The plant typically reaches a mean height of approximately 6 meters, though it has the capacity to grow to a maximum height of 15 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Allophylus cobbe is characterized by complex metabolic processes centered on its survival in tropical forest ecosystems. Its primary physiological driver involves efficient photosynthetic pathways adapted to varying light intensities within the canopy, allowing for robust biomass production. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, typically found in leguminous species. Consequently, its nitrogen acquisition is dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system rather than through atmospheric nitrogen fixation. This reliance on soil-available nitrogen necessitates a well-developed root architecture to optimize nutrient absorption in competitive tropical environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Allophylus cobbe is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically involving insect vectors such as bees. The plant produces fleshy fruits, which play a critical role in its reproductive cycle. The seeds produced are relatively uniform in their characteristics, exhibiting a mean seed mass of approximately 0.063305 g, with individual masses ranging from a minimum of 0.05181 g to a maximum of 0.0748 g. In terms of physical dimensions, the seed volume varies significantly, with a minimum volume of 980 mm³ and a maximum volume of 4200 mm³, resulting in a mean seed volume of 2590 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.0748 g

Seed mass mean:

0.063305 g

Seed mass min:

0.05181 g

Seed volume max:

4200 mm³

Seed volume mean:

2590 mm³

Seed volume min:

980 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Allophylus cobbe has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences