Hong Kong Balanophora

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Hong Kong Balanophora

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Polyplethia parvior
• Polyplethia spicata
• Polyplethia morrisonicola
• Polyplethia formosana
• Acroblastum spicatum
• Balanophora taiwaniana
• Balanophora formosana
• Balanophora spicata
• Acroblastum parvius
• Balanophora oshimae
• Acroblastum hexamerum
• Balanophora parvior
• Balanophora morrisonicola
• Balanophora hexamera
• Balanophora hongkongensis
• Polyplethia oshimae
• Balanophora rugosa
• Balania parvior
• Balania spicata
• Balania formosana
• Polyplethia minor
• Polyplethia hexamera

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Santalales, it is uniquely situated in the family Balanophoraceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Balanophora, specifically the species Balanophora laxiflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its presence also extends to the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Additionally, the species inhabits parts of the Indo-China region, specifically in Laos. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Balanophora laxiflora is characterized by its adaptation to specific montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche within its habitat. This species is primarily distributed across an altitudinal gradient that spans from a minimum elevation of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 2800 m AMSL. This elevational range suggests that the plant is specialized for mid-to-high altitude ecosystems, likely thriving in the unique climatic conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and moisture levels, found within these specific mountain zones.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Balanophora laxiflora has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Balanophorin A, Balanophorin B, CATECHIN, Caffeic acid ethyl ester, Monogynol A.

Balanophorin A

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Balanophorin B

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

CATECHIN

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Caffeic acid ethyl ester

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Monogynol A

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

beta-Amyrin acetate

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

lupeone

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Preparations