Cathay hickory

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Cathay hickory
• Chinese hickory

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hicorius cathayensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Carya cathayensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fagales and the family Juglandaceae. Finally, its taxonomic position is completed within the genus Carya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the vast landscape of China. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated in the South-Central part of the country. Additionally, the species can be found growing across the Southeast region of China. These two distinct areas define the core of its current geographical range. Understanding this distribution helps researchers locate the species in its wild environment.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Carya cathayensis is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing behavior such as a liana or vine, nor does it function as an obligate or facultative climber. The plant is entirely independent, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic. Its structural integrity is defined by its permanent woodiness, supporting its stature as a substantial woody tree.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Carya cathayensis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism common to most woody temperate species that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO. In terms of its structural biomass and mechanical properties, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 755 mg/cm³, reflecting the internal cellular density and lignification processes that support its vertical growth and vascular efficiency.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

755 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Carya cathayensis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cardamonin, Pinocembrin, Pinostrobin chalcone, Wogonin, chrysin.

Cardamonin

1. Steroids
2. Fitoterapia

Pinocembrin

1. Steroids
2. Fitoterapia

Pinostrobin chalcone

1. Steroids
2. Fitoterapia

Wogonin

1. Steroids
2. Fitoterapia

chrysin

1. Steroids
2. Fitoterapia

Flavonoids

1. Fitoterapia