velvet-leaf

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• velvetleaf
• velvet-leaf

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Callicarpa cuspidata
• Callicarpa dentata
• Callicarpa formosana var. glabrata
• Callicarpa integerrima var. serrulata
• Callicarpa tzitanshaniana
• Callicarpa formosana var. tzitanshaniana
• Callicarpa pedunculata var. longifolia
• Callicarpa obtusifolia
• Callicarpa ovata
• Callicarpa ningpoensis
• Callicarpa rubella f. robusta
• Callicarpa viridis
• Callicarpa taiwaniana
• Callicarpa aspera
• Callicarpa blancoi
• Callicarpa formosana
• Callicarpa formosana f. angustata
• Callicarpa formosana var. longifolia
• Callicarpa brevipes var. glabrescens
• Callicarpa pedunculata var. psilocalyx
• Callicarpa pedunculata var. glabriuscula
• Callicarpa pedunculata var. glandulsoa

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 family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Callicarpa. Specifically, Callicarpa pedunculata represents a distinct medicinal species within this taxonomic hierarchy.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions of Asia. In China, its presence is noted specifically in Hainan and throughout China Southeast. Its distribution extends into Eastern Asia, where it can be found in Taiwan as well as the Nansei-shoto islands. Additionally, the species reaches into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the Assam region. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across varied subtropical landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Callicarpa pedunculata is characterized by a highly specific and specialized vertical distribution within its native habitat. This species occupies a precise altitudinal niche, functioning within a narrow ecological band that is strictly limited to an elevation of 1700 m AMSL. Because its minimum and maximum elevational ranges converge at this single point, the plant demonstrates a high degree of stenotopic behavior, suggesting that its physiological requirements and reproductive success are finely tuned to the specific climatic conditions, such as temperature regimes, humidity levels, and atmospheric pressure, found exclusively at this altitude. Such a restricted elevational range indicates that the species likely serves as a specialized component of the montane vegetation structure, potentially acting as a niche specialist within its specific mountain ecosystem.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Callicarpa pedunculata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it exhibits a phanerophyte life form, possessing significant woody stems that elevate its foliage above the ground, though it can also be classified under the nanophanerophyte category depending on the specific height of its woody growth. Regarding its foliage patterns, the species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring a consistent presence within its ecological niche.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Callicarpa pedunculata is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species, existing as an independent organism rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a height of approximately 3 m, with a documented height range extending from a minimum of 3 m to a maximum of 4 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Callicarpa pedunculata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant's vegetative structure features leaves that vary significantly in dimension, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 6 cm. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable biological form.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Callicarpa pedunculata is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and specialized pollination mechanisms. The flowering period typically commences in November and concludes in March, though the timing can be variable. The plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This reproductive process results in the development of a drupe-type fruit, which is characterized as indehiscent, meaning it does not spontaneously split open at maturity to release its contents. The resulting seeds are notably small and uniform in weight, with a mean, minimum, and maximum seed mass all recorded at 0.00066 g.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flowering time :

Nov

Flowering time :

Mar

Fruit type :

drupe

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.00066 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Callicarpa pedunculata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Ursolic acid, luteolin.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Terpenoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Ursolic acid

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

luteolin

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis