Castanopsis eyrei

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Castanopsis eyrei, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across East Asia. It is primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of South-Central China. Additionally, its range extends into the forested regions of Southeast China. The species also makes a notable presence in the subtropical environments of Taiwan. Collectively, these locations define the core geographical footprint of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Castanopsis eyrei is defined by its distribution across a diverse altitudinal gradient within its native montane habitats. This species thrives across a broad vertical range, establishing itself at low elevations starting from 300 m AMSL and extending upward to a maximum elevation of 1700 m AMSL. Throughout its ecological niche, it maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1000 m AMSL, a positioning that suggests an adaptation to the varied climatic conditions and soil profiles found within mid-to-high altitude forest ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Castanopsis eyrei is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant allocates its regenerative buds at a significant height above the ground, typically manifesting as a woody tree structure. This life form is further defined by its classification as a phanerophyte in terms of its growth habit, ensuring survival through various seasonal transitions. Additionally, the species exhibits evergreen deciduousness, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally, which supports continuous photosynthetic activity.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Castanopsis eyrei is characterized by its robust growth form as a tree, exhibiting a consistently woody structure. This species is classified as an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial plant that does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, and its structural development is self-supporting, lacking the climbing or vine-like characteristics of lianas or obligate climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Castanopsis eyrei is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many woody forest species that optimizes carbon fixation under moderate environmental conditions. Morphologically, its leaves are lanceolate in form with entire margins, lacking both leaf thorns and leaf spines, which suggests a physiological investment in surface area for light interception rather than mechanical defense through foliar appendages. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) of 566 mg/cm³, a value that reflects its structural wood density and influences its hydraulic conductivity and overall mechanical stability.

Leaf form :

lanceolate

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

566 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Castanopsis eyrei is characterized by the production of specific fruit structures that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal and propagation. The physical dimensions of these fruits exhibit measurable variability, with recorded fruit lengths ranging from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 3 cm. On average, the fruit length is approximately 2.5 cm, reflecting a consistent morphological pattern within the species' reproductive cycle. These fruits play a critical role in the plant's life cycle by protecting the developing seeds until they are ready for dispersal into the surrounding environment.

Fruit length max:

3 cm

Fruit length mean:

2.5 cm

Fruit length min:

2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Castanopsis eyrei has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Castanopsis eyrei has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke