Bischofia polycarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Celtis polycarpa
• Bischofia racemosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Bischofia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Bischofiia polycarpia, exhibits a specific range across the landscape of China. Its presence is documented within the regions of China South-Central. Furthermore, the species can be found extending into China North-Central. The geographical reach of this medicinal plant also includes the areas of China Southeast. Together, these regions define the primary natural distribution of this important botanical species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bischofia polycarpa is defined by its specific altitudinal niche within tropical forest ecosystems, where it thrives across a distinct vertical gradient. The species is primarily distributed at lower to mid-elevation levels, with its ecological presence characterized by a mean elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This elevation serves as a critical threshold for its growth and distribution, reaching a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL, which suggests a specialized adaptation to the environmental conditions, temperature regimes, and moisture availability found at this specific altitude. Within these zones, the plant integrates into the forest structure, relying on the particular soil compositions and microclimates associated with these mid-elevation tropical habitats to sustain its biological functions.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Bischofiia polycarpa is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on aerial shoots. Within this category, it displays specific life form variations, functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains elevated buds, its stature may range from small shrubs to larger woody forms depending on environmental conditions. This life strategy allows the plant to persist through seasonal changes by protecting its regenerative tissues above the soil surface, facilitating its establishment in its native ecological niches.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Bischofia polycarpa is characterized by its substantial stature, reaching an average plant height of approximately 15 m. It exhibits a woody growth habit and functions as a self-supporting climber, manifesting as a liana or vine that does not require external support to maintain its structure. As an independent organism, it is non-parasitic, maintaining its own nutritional processes without reliance on a host. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species, establishing its root system and growth within the soil rather than as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Bischofia polycarpa is characterized by specific morphological dimensions of its foliage, which play a critical role in its photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration rates. The leaves exhibit a variable size distribution, with a mean leaf length of 7 cm and a minimum length of 5 cm, reaching a maximum length of 9 cm. Complementing these longitudinal dimensions, the leaf width varies significantly, maintaining a mean width of 4.5 cm. This width ranges from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 6 cm, defining the overall surface area available for light interception. These precise leaf measurements indicate a structured growth pattern that optimizes the plant's metabolic processes and environmental interactions.

Leaf length max:

9 cm

Leaf length mean:

7 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width mean:

4.5 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bischofia polycarpa is characterized by the development of small, fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit specific morphological dimensions regarding their width, ranging from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 0.7 cm. On average, the fruit width maintains a mean value of 0.6 cm. These fruits typically contain the seeds necessary for the propagation of the species, facilitating the establishment of new individuals within its natural habitat through the dispersal of these small, fleshy structures.

Fruit width max:

0.7 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.6 cm

Fruit width min:

0.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bischofia polycarpa has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include alpha-Linolenic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid.

alpha-Linolenic acid

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

linolenic acid

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

oleic acid

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

palmitic acid

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