Chinese catalpa

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese catalpa
• Japanese catalpa
• yellow catalpa

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Catalpa henryi
• Catalpa ovata f. flavescens
• Catalpa ovata var. flavescens
• Catalpa kaempferi
• Catalpa bignonioides var. kaempferi

Regional and Traditional Names

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, it is classified under the family Bignoniaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Catalpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is well-documented within the borders of Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Moving toward the south, the species also populates areas of Southeastern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Bulgaria. Additionally, its range extends into the Southeastern European territory of Italy.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Catalpa ovata is defined by its specialized niche within specific montane environments, where it thrives within a strictly delimited altitudinal belt. This species is primarily distributed across high-altitude terrains, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1700 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 2800 m AMSL. Within this vertical stratum, the plant is adapted to the unique climatic pressures of mid-to-high mountain ecosystems, which likely include cooler mean temperatures, increased ultraviolet exposure, and distinct seasonal moisture patterns characteristic of these elevations. Its presence is a biological indicator of these specific environmental conditions, as its survival and reproductive success are closely tied to the atmospheric and edaphic variables found between these two elevation thresholds.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Catalpa ovata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its biological functions over a long lifespan. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species is classified as a phanerophyte, a life form where the majority of its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to thrive as a substantial tree. This phanerophytic nature ensures that the plant can withstand seasonal changes by protecting its vital tissues within its elevated woody architecture, contributing to its enduring presence in its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Catalpa ovata is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, functioning as a non-parasitic organism. The plant typically exhibits a height ranging from a minimum of 6 meters to a maximum of 10 meters. As a self-supporting tree, it does not possess climbing habits such as liana or vine traits, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height min:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Catalpa ovata is characterized by its efficient metabolic processes and structural adaptations designed for temperate environments. Central to its energy production is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes the C3 pathway to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process involves the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells, a mechanism that is highly effective under the moderate temperatures and sufficient moisture levels typical of its native habitats. The plant's physiological vigor is further supported by a robust vascular system capable of transporting water and nutrients through its large, heart-shaped leaves, which provide a significant surface area for light interception. Additionally, its growth patterns and seasonal phenology are governed by complex hormonal regulations that respond to photoperiod and temperature fluctuations, ensuring optimal resource allocation between vegetative growth and reproductive development.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Catalpa ovata is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically commences in April and continues through June, though the exact timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that are exceptionally lightweight. The seed mass exhibits significant variability, with a minimum recorded weight of 0.00125 g and a maximum of 0.00342 g. On average, the seeds have a mean mass of approximately 0.002523333 g, facilitating their dispersal.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.00342 g

Seed mass mean:

0.002523333 g

Seed mass min:

0.00125 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Catalpa ovata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Journal of natural products
2. Planta medica
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Catalpa ovata has 41 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Catalposide, 4,9-dihydroxy-alpha-lapachone, 4-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone, 9-Methoxy-alpha-lapachone, Catalpalactone.

Catalposide

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica
3. International immunopharmacology

4,9-dihydroxy-alpha-lapachone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

4-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

9-Methoxy-alpha-lapachone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Catalpalactone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Catalpin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

1-Hydroxy-2-methyl-anthraquinone

1. Dr. Duke

3-hydroxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone

1. Journal of natural products

8-methoxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone

1. Journal of natural products

9-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Catalpa ovata has 254 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ACE-Inhibitor, Acetylcholinergic, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allelochemic, Allelopathic.

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acetylcholinergic

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Allelopathic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Amylase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Catalpa ovata has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gram-negative bacterial infections, itching, scabies.

Gram-negative bacterial infections

1. International immunopharmacology

Itching

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Scabies

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Catalpa ovata has 8 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract, extract of the stem-bark of Catalpa ovata, hairy roots, roots of intact plants, stem.

Extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Extract of the stem-bark of catalpa ovata

1. Journal of natural products

Hairy roots

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Roots of intact plants

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Stem

1. Planta medica

Stem bark

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Transformed root cultures

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Untransformed root cultures

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences