Ardisia gigantifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ardisia kteniophylla
• Ardisia kteniophylla var. microdonta
• Chloranthus kiangsiensis
• Ardisia pseudoverticillata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is a member of the family Primulaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Ardisia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in East and Southeast Asia. Within China, it can be found throughout the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its range extends into the Indo-China peninsula, where it is documented in both Laos and Thailand. These specific locations highlight the tropical and subtropical habitats favored by the species. Consequently, its geographical presence is primarily concentrated within these distinct Asian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ardisia gigantiifolia is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is documented to inhabit a precise elevationary band. Based on ecological data, the species maintains a consistent presence at an elevation of 1300 m AMSL, which serves as both its minimum and maximum threshold. This lack of variance in its elevational range—with a mean, minimum, and maximum all converging at 1300 m AMSL—suggests that the plant is specialized to the specific climatic and environmental conditions found at this particular altitude, likely requiring the unique temperature, moisture, and atmospheric pressure profiles characteristic of this mid-elevation zone.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ardisia gigantiifolia is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, meaning the plant persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its biological presence over a long duration. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle in a single season like annuals or two seasons like biennials, but rather establishes a lasting vegetative structure that allows for continuous or seasonal growth over many years. This long-lived life strategy enables the plant to invest significant energy into robust structural development and repeated reproductive efforts, ensuring its stability and persistence within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ardisia gigantiifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. This plant exhibits a self-supporting structure, meaning it does not require external support to maintain its upright position. In terms of stature, it reaches a minimum height of 1 m, with an average height of approximately 2 m, and can grow to a maximum height of up to 3 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Ardisia gigantiifolia is characterized by a robust vegetative structure, most notably expressed through its significant leaf morphology. The photosynthetic capacity of the plant is supported by substantial foliage that exhibits considerable variation in size. The leaves typically possess a mean length of 36.5 cm, though they can range from a minimum of 25 cm to a maximum length of 48 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a corresponding width profile, where the leaf width spans from a minimum of 9 cm to a maximum of 17 cm. These expansive dimensions suggest a highly developed surface area optimized for light interception and gas exchange within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

48 cm

Leaf length mean:

36.5 cm

Leaf length min:

25 cm

Leaf width max:

17 cm

Leaf width min:

9 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ardisia gigantiifolia is facilitated through its flowering structures, which are characterized by inflorescences that typically measure between 0.2 m and 0.35 m in length. These inflorescences serve as the primary reproductive organs, housing the flowers necessary for pollination. Following successful fertilization, the plant transitions from its flowering stage to fruit production, ensuring the dispersal of seeds to propagate the species within its natural habitat.

Inflorescence length max:

0.35 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.2 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ardisia gigantifolia has 3 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, rhizome, stem.

Leaf

1. Chemical biology & drug design

Rhizome

1. Planta medica

Stem

1. Chemical biology & drug design

Chemicals

Ardisia gigantifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ANTHOCYANIN, Flavonoids.

ANTHOCYANIN

1. Frontiers in plant science

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Ardisia gigantifolia has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include bruises, rheumatism, tuberculosis.

Bruises

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatism

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tuberculosis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Ardisia gigantifolia has 2 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include CHCl3 extract of the leaves and stems, rhizome.

Chcl3 extract of the leaves and stems

1. Chemical biology & drug design

Rhizome

1. Planta medica