Balanophora polyandra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Polyplethia polyandra
• Acroblastum polyandrum
• Acroblastum ambavanense

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 Santalales, it is uniquely classified under the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Balanophora, with the specific species name Balanophora polyandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range spanning across parts of East and South Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central and Southeast regions, as well as in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be found growing in the state of Assam. It is also distributed throughout the East Himalaya mountain range. Together, these locations define the specific ecological territories where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Balanophora polyandra is characterized by its occupation of specific altitudinal niches within its native habitat, demonstrating a specialized adaptation to montane environments. This species thrives across a distinct vertical gradient, maintaining a presence within an elevational range that begins at 1000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2700 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal distribution suggests a capacity to tolerate varying climatic conditions, including shifts in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability common in high-altitude ecosystems. By occupying this range, the plant interacts with diverse microclimates, from mid-elevation slopes to higher montane zones, which influences its distribution patterns and ecological interactions within its surrounding community.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Balanophora polyandra is characterized by its growth form as a herb, displaying a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative parts. Although it functions as a climber, it is specifically classified as self-supporting rather than relying on external structures for upward progression. Furthermore, the plant is terrestrial in its habitat, maintaining a ground-based existence rather than an epiphytic one.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Balanophora polyandra has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Lignans, Sterols, Tannins, Terpenes.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lignans

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Sterols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Balanophora polyandra has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gonorrhea, syphilis, uterine prolapse, wounds.

Most Reported Uses