Nepalese alder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Nepal Black Cedar
• Himalayan alder
• Indian alder
• Nepal alder
• Nepalese alder
• Nepali Alder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Clethropsis nepalensis
• Betula leptophylla

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales and the family Betulaceae, it is classified under the genus Alnus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central areas as well as in the Tibet region. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the state of Assam. Additionally, this species is documented to grow in Bangladesh. Finally, it is widely distributed throughout the East Himalaya region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alnus nepalensis is characterized by its ability to thrive within a specific altitudinal gradient, typically occupying montane environments. This species is most commonly found distributed across an elevational range that begins at 1300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3150 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant plays a vital role in forest succession and soil stabilization, often acting as a pioneer species in disturbed areas or along riparian corridors. Its presence is frequently associated with moist, well-drained soils where it contributes to nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing the nutrient profile of the local ecosystem and facilitating the growth of subsequent plant communities.

Elevational range max:

3150 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Alnus nepalensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody branches, facilitating its growth into a substantial tree structure. This plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage seasonally as part of its adaptation to varying environmental conditions. Through these distinct life history traits—being a perennial phanerophyte with a deciduous habit—the species maintains a stable yet seasonally dynamic existence in its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Alnus nepalensis is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree, typically reaching a significant plant height with a mean of approximately 22 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climber or liana tendencies, maintaining a robust and upright growth form. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning as an independent species without parasitic or epiphytic behaviors. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, which supports its development as a dominant tree within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

22 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Alnus nepalensis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits specific morphological adaptations in its foliage, featuring oval-shaped leaves with crenulate margins that lack both thorns and spines. Its leaf architecture is further defined by a Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of approximately 189.6940355 cm²/g, a value that remains consistent across its minimum, mean, and maximum measurements. Structurally, the stem possesses a mean specific density (SSD) of 503 mg/cm³, providing essential support and mechanical integrity. A defining physiological attribute of this species is its capability as a nitrogen fixer, allowing it to engage in symbiotic nitrogen fixation which enhances its ability to thrive in nutrient-limited environments.

Leaf form :

oval

Leaf margin :

crenulate

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

189.6940355 cm²/g

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

503 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Alnus nepalensis is characterized by abiotic pollination mechanisms, specifically utilizing a wind-driven pollination syndrome. The reproductive process relies on the movement of pollen through the air to facilitate fertilization. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds that are remarkably lightweight, with a mean seed mass of 0.002575 g. Individual seed masses within the species vary slightly, ranging from a minimum of 0.00247 g to a maximum of 0.00268 g. Once mature, the dispersal of these seeds follows an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by the wind, allowing the species to colonize new areas effectively through aerodynamic transport.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Seed mass max:

0.00268 g

Seed mass mean:

0.002575 g

Seed mass min:

0.00247 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Alnus nepalensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. International immunopharmacology
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3. Acta tropica
4. Journal of chromatographic science
5. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Chemicals

Alnus nepalensis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (5s)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone, Betulin, betulinic acid.

(5s)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone

1. Acta tropica

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Alnus nepalensis has 24 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of experimental pharmacology

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

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

Medicinal Uses

Alnus nepalensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant activity.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations