Callicarpa cathayana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Callicarpa. Specifically, Callicarpa cathayana represents a distinct species within this botanical lineage.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within specific regions of East Asia. Its natural habitat is concentrated in the South-Central part of China. Additionally, the species can be located throughout the Southeast regions of the country. These two areas define its core geographical distribution. Consequently, its presence is closely tied to the ecosystems of these Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Callicarpa cathayana is characterized by its perennial growth pattern and structural classification within specific botanical life forms. As a woody species, it is primarily categorized as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the soil surface, allowing it to maintain structural integrity and seasonal regrowth. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the resulting height of its woody stems, its growth habit can also be described through the lens of nanophanerophyte characteristics, representing a transitional state of growth. Throughout its life cycle, the plant transitions from seedling establishment to a mature woody architecture, utilizing its perennial nature to endure seasonal fluctuations and reappear annually from its elevated buds.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Callicarpa cathayana is characterized by its robust growth habit and structural composition. It is a woody plant that develops a firm, lignified framework, allowing it to maintain a stable stature. In terms of its growth form, the species is strictly self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on other structures or organisms for physical elevation through climbing mechanisms. Furthermore, it functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial lifestyle, establishing its root system and life cycle within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Callicarpa cathayana has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Chemicals

Callicarpa cathayana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Clerodane Diterpenoids.

Clerodane Diterpenoids

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines