Monkey-pod

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Monkey-pod

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pithecellobium clypearia
• Abarema clypearia
• Feuilleea clypearia
• Inga clypearia
• Albizia clypearia

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 Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Archidendroon. Specifically, its taxonomic designation is Archidendroon clypearia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of East and South Asia. Within China, its distribution is extensive, spanning the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. It is also commonly found in the Eastern Asian territory of Taiwan. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the Assam region. Consequently, its geographical footprint covers a diverse variety of subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Archidendron clypearia is defined by its specific altitudinal niche within montane ecosystems, where it thrives within a precise elevational range. This species is typically found inhabiting forest environments at elevations starting from a minimum of 1240 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 1600 m AMSL. This relatively narrow vertical distribution suggests a specialized adaptation to the specific temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure gradients characteristic of these mid-to-high altitude tropical or subtropical montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1240 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Archidenadrone clypearia is characterized by its existence as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem over multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, utilizing a robust structural form to dominate its niche. This phanerophyte life strategy is further supported by its evergreen nature, allowing it to retain its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Archidendroon clypearia is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests as a tree, capable of reaching significant dimensions with a mean height of approximately 12 m and a maximum height of up to 22 m. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat and does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence rather than growing upon other plants. Although it possesses characteristics that might suggest climbing tendencies, its structural nature is classified as self-supporting, rather than acting as a liana or vine. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior toward other vegetation.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

22 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Archidendron clypearia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits specific morphological and structural parameters, including a mean leaf length of 6.4 cm and a mean leaf width of 3.4 cm, supported by a mean leaf thickness of 0.011 mm. Structurally, the plant possesses a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 313 mg/cm³. Furthermore, it functions as a nitrogen fixer, facilitating the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable for biological growth.

Leaf length mean:

6.4 cm

Leaf thickness mean:

0.011 mm

Leaf width mean:

3.4 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

313 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Archidenron clypearia is characterized by specific seed morphological traits and a distinct dispersal mechanism. The species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals for the movement of its seeds. The seeds produced by this plant exhibit significant variation in mass, with values ranging from a minimum of 0.051 g to a maximum of 0.263 g, resulting in an average seed mass of 0.157 g. In terms of physical dimensions, the seeds have an average length of 7.9 mm. The structural morphology of the seeds is further defined by a maximum width of 7.7 mm and a maximum height of 5.8 mm.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed height max:

5.8 mm

Seed length mean:

7.9 mm

Seed mass max:

0.263 g

Seed mass mean:

0.157 g

Seed mass min:

0.051 g

Seed width max:

7.7 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Archidendron clypearia has 1 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials
2. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Archidendron clypearia has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-Octacosanol, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone, 7-O-Galloyltricetiflavan, 7-O-galloyltricetifavan.

1-Octacosanol

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

5-hydroxy-3,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

7-O-Galloyltricetiflavan

1. BMC veterinary research

7-O-galloyltricetifavan

1. Journal of natural products

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Docosenoic acid

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lignins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Luteoloside

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Activities

Archidendron clypearia has 4 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Neuroprotective.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiviral

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Archidendron clypearia has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastroenteritis, tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infection.

Gastroenteritis

1. Molecular biology reports

Tonsillitis

1. Molecular biology reports

Upper respiratory tract infection

1. Molecular biology reports

Preparations

Archidendron clypearia has 5 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ACE, Archidendron clypearia extract, EtOAc soluble fraction, aqueous extracts, methanol extract of leaves of Pithecellobium clypearia.

Ace

1. Archives of microbiology

Archidendron clypearia extract

1. Archives of microbiology

Etoac soluble fraction

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Aqueous extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Methanol extract of leaves of pithecellobium clypearia

1. Journal of natural products