Berchemia lineata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ziziphus lineata
• Rhamnus lineata
• Berchemia poiretiana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Rosales and is a member of the Rhamnaceae family. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Berchemia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several significant regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the Hainan province as well as throughout China Southeast. The species is also found within Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting the Nansei-shoto islands and the island of Taiwan. Furthermore, its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be located in the East Himalaya. Consequently, these varied locations highlight the broad ecological reach of Berchemia lineaata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Berchemia lineata is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are located well above the ground level on aerial shoots.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Berchemia lineata is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a shrub, exhibiting a robust and woody structure. This woody nature provides the plant with significant stability, as it functions as a self-supporting organism rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. In terms of dimension, the plant can reach a notable height, with a mean stature recorded at approximately 21 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

21 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Berchemia lineata is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions of its foliage, which play a crucial role in its metabolic efficiency and surface area regulation. The leaves exhibit a specialized size distribution, with a mean leaf length of 1.25 cm, though individual specimens can range from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 2 cm. This variability in longitudinal growth is complemented by a corresponding range in leaf width, which maintains a mean of 0.8 cm. The width of the leaf lamina fluctuates between a minimum of 0.4 cm and a maximum of 1.2 cm, indicating a structural plasticity that likely assists the plant in optimizing light interception and transpiration rates within its physiological environment.

Leaf length max:

2 cm

Leaf length mean:

1.25 cm

Leaf length min:

0.5 cm

Leaf width max:

1.2 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.8 cm

Leaf width min:

0.4 cm

Reproduction

Reproduction in Berchemia lineata involves the production of small, fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. The morphological characteristics of these fruits are relatively consistent, with recorded dimensions indicating a narrow size range. Specifically, the fruit length exhibits a mean value of 0.55 cm, with individual specimens ranging from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 0.6 cm. These small fruits play a critical role in the plant's life cycle by facilitating the distribution of seeds across its habitat.

Fruit length max:

0.6 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.55 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Berchemia lineata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fatty acids, Flavonoids, Phenols, Quinone.

Fatty acids

1. Natural product research

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research

Phenols

1. Natural product research

Quinone

1. Natural product research