Alnus maximowiczii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the temperate regions of the Russian Far East. Within this area, its range extends through the Khabarovsk region and the island of Sakhalin. It can also be found throughout the Kuril Islands and the coastal territory of Primorye. Beyond Russia, the species is widely established across Eastern Asia. Specifically, its geographical presence includes the islands and mainland of Japan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alnus maximowiczii is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich and structurally diverse environments, primarily occupying niches within temperate forest ecosystems. It is most commonly found inhabiting mountain regions, where it thrives in the varied topography and cooler climates associated with higher elevations. A defining ecological feature of this species is its close association with riparian zones, as it frequently colonizes the banks of rivers and streams. This proximity to water sources allows it to flourish in damp, well-watered soils, often acting as a pioneer or stabilizing species in these hydric habitats.

Habitat :

forest, mountains, rivers

Life history

The life history of Alnus maximowiczii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on its developmental stage and environmental conditions. As a woody perennial, it maintains its perennating buds well above the ground, allowing it to endure seasonal fluctuations and regenerate through robust structural growth. This life form enables the plant to establish significant biomass, utilizing its elevated bud positions to survive varying climatic stressors while facilitating long-term survival and reproduction within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Alnus maximowiczii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or liana. It is an independent species, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. The plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 10 meters, exhibiting a robust, woody stem architecture consistent with its classification as a tree.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Alnus maximowiczii is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes, most notably its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway. As a C3 plant, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, a process that is highly efficient in the temperate, moist environments where the species typically thrives. Beyond carbon fixation, the plant exhibits a sophisticated nitrogen-fixing physiology facilitated by a symbiotic relationship with Frankia actinomycetes within specialized root nodules. This symbiotic association allows the plant to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, significantly enhancing its nutrient uptake and supporting robust physiological development even in nitrogen-poor soils. This nitrogen metabolism is closely integrated with its water relations and carbon assimilation, enabling the species to maintain high metabolic activity and structural integrity across its natural ecological range.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Alnus maximowiczii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically commences in May and concludes in June, marking the primary reproductive phase for the species. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds with a highly specialized mass profile; the mean seed mass is recorded at 0.00055 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.0004 g (4e-04 g) to a maximum of 0.00073 g.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.00073 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00055 g

Seed mass min:

4e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Alnus maximowiczii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, betulinic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Alnus maximowiczii has 23 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke