Brucea mollis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lussa mollis
• Brucea luzoniensis
• Brucea macrobotrys
• Brucea acuminata
• Brucea membranacea
• Brucea stenophylla

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Sapindales and the family Simaroubaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Brucea, specifically identified by the species name Brucea mollis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, it is specifically found within the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species can be located throughout the country of Bangladesh. Finally, its range encompasses the diverse landscapes of the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Brucea mollis is characterized by its ability to thrive across a significant altitudinal gradient, demonstrating adaptability to diverse montane and subtropical environments. This species typically occupies a broad vertical niche, with its distribution spanning from low-lying areas at a minimum elevation of 200 m AMSL to higher montane reaches reaching a maximum of 1600 m AMSL. On average, the plant is most frequently encountered at a mean elevation of approximately 975 m AMSL, suggesting that its optimal ecological conditions are found within mid-elevation zones. This elevational range indicates that the plant can navigate varying thermal regimes and moisture availability, allowing it to inhabit a variety of forest types and landscapes within its geographic range.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

975 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Brucea mollis is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived species, it does not follow the rapid cycle of annuals or the intermediate stage of biennials, but instead establishes a stable presence within its natural habitat. This perennial nature supports its ability to undergo repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, contributing to its long-term survival and capacity to maintain populations within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Brucea mollis is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial species that functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant variability in height, ranging from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 5 m, with an average plant height of approximately 3 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Brucea mollis is characterized by significant morphological variability in its laminar dimensions. The leaves exhibit a distinct range of longitudinal growth, with a minimum length of 5 cm reaching a maximum extent of 12 cm, while maintaining a mean leaf length of approximately 8.5 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a proportional fluctuation in lateral expansion, where leaf width varies from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 5 cm, resulting in a mean leaf width of 3.75 cm. These dimensional parameters suggest a dynamic growth pattern within the plant's canopy, allowing for structural adaptation through varying leaf surface areas.

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length mean:

8.5 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

5 cm

Leaf width mean:

3.75 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Brucea mollis is characterized by its specific inflorescence and fruit morphology. The plant produces inflorescences that vary in length, ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.25 m. Within these structures, the flowers are relatively small, with lengths measuring between 0.2 cm and 0.3 cm. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits that exhibit distinct dimensional variations. The fruit length typically averages around 1 cm, with a minimum recorded size of 0.8 cm and a maximum of 1.2 cm. Similarly, the fruit width shows a consistent range, with a mean width of 0.7 cm, a minimum of 0.6 cm, and a maximum of 0.8 cm.

Flower length max:

0.3 cm

Flower length min:

0.2 cm

Fruit length max:

1.2 cm

Fruit length mean:

1 cm

Fruit length min:

0.8 cm

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.7 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.25 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.1 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Brucea mollis has 1 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 stem.

Stem

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
2. Journal of natural products
3. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Chemicals

Brucea mollis has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Epipinoresinol, (+)-Pinoresinol, (+)-Syringaresinol, (+)-lyoniresinol, 11-Hydroxycanthin-6-one.

(+)-Epipinoresinol

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

(+)-Pinoresinol

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

(+)-Syringaresinol

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

(+)-lyoniresinol

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

11-Hydroxycanthin-6-one

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

4,5-Dihydroblumenol A

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

4-methoxycanthin-6-one

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

9-Methoxycanthin-6-one

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Canthin-6-one

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Cleomiscosin A

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

Preparations

Brucea mollis has 2 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract, stems.

Ethanol extract

1. Journal of natural products

Stems

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