ebine

Calanthe discolor · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Ebine, scientifically known as Calathea discolor, is a striking ornamental plant celebrated for its deep green, velvety leaves marked by dramatic silver patterns. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, this tropical species holds significant place in traditional herbal practices, valued for its unique physiological properties and potential medicinal applications in wellness.

Family
Orchidaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Ebine · Two-Coloured Calanthe
Scientific synonyms
Alismorkis Discolor · Calanthe Striata Var. Discolor

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Calanthe discolor

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Calanthe discolor var kanashiroi
  • Calanthe discolor f. quinquelamellata
  • Calanthe discolor var. kanashiroi
  • Alismorkis discolor
  • Calanthe discolor f quinquelamellata

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 Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Calanthe, with its species name being discolor.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Orchidaceae
Genus Calanthe

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is naturally distributed across several key regions within Eastern Asia. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. The species also extends its range into the nation of Japan. Furthermore, it can be found growing within the Korean peninsula. Finally, its geographical reach includes the Nansei-shoto islands.

Region Area
China China South-Central
China China Southeast
Eastern Asia Japan
Eastern Asia Korea
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Calathea discolor is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions primarily as a geophyte, relying on specialized underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions and facilitate regrowth. Structurally, its survival strategy is classified under the cryptophyte life form, meaning its essential regenerative buds are protected beneath the soil surface, shielding them from external stressors to ensure long-term continuity.

Life form :
geophyte
Life form :
cryptophyte
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Calathea discolor is characterized by a growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically categorized as a forb. It exhibits a non-woody structure and functions as an independent organism, rather than a parasite. In terms of its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial and does not function as an epiphyte. Furthermore, it is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behaviors such as a liana or vine, maintaining a stable, upright stature.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
herb
Parasite :
independent
Woodiness :
non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Calanthe discolor has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Calaliukiuenoside, Calanthoside, Calaphenanthrenol, Glucoindican, INDICAN.

Chemicals reported in Calanthe discolor
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Calaliukiuenoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Calanthoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Calaphenanthrenol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Glucoindican 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
INDICAN 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Indirubin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tryptanthrin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Calaliukiuenoside

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Calanthoside

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Calaphenanthrenol

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Glucoindican

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

INDICAN

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Indirubin

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Tryptanthrin

  1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin