Cayratia mollissima

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central provinces to the Southeast regions. Its presence also extends to the tropical landscapes of Hainan and the high-altitude terrains of Tibet. Beyond Chinese borders, the species is located within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in the state of Assam. Consequently, these varied locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit multiple distinct ecological zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cayratia mollisima is characterized by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat, where it thrives across a defined vertical gradient. This species is typically found in montane or sub-montane environments, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 300 m AMSL. As the terrain ascends, the plant maintains a presence through mid-level elevations, reaching a mean elevation of approximately 650 m AMSL. The upper limit of its ecological niche is reached at a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL, defining the specific environmental parameters and climatic conditions, such as temperature and moisture availability, that support its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

650 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Cayratiatia mollisima is characterized by its growth form as a woody herb that functions as an obligatory climber. This plant maintains a terrestrial life habit, establishing itself in the ground rather than growing as an epiphyte. Despite its herbaceous classification, it exhibits woody characteristics in its structural development to support its climbing nature.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cayratias mollisima is characterized by distinct vegetative morphological parameters, particularly regarding its foliar development and surface area optimization. The leaves exhibit significant dimensional variability, with a mean leaf length of 14 cm, ranging from a minimum of 10 cm to a maximum of 18 cm. This longitudinal growth is complemented by a specialized width profile, where the leaf width maintains a mean of 7 cm, fluctuating between a minimum of 5 cm and a maximum of 9 cm. These dimensions suggest a physiological adaptation aimed at maximizing photosynthetic efficiency through specific leaf area regulation, allowing the plant to manage light interception and gas exchange effectively within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

18 cm

Leaf length mean:

14 cm

Leaf length min:

10 cm

Leaf width max:

9 cm

Leaf width mean:

7 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cayratiatia mollisima is characterized by its specific inflorescence and fruit morphology. The plant produces inflorescences that vary in length, ranging from a minimum of 0.03 m to a maximum of 0.14 m. Following successful pollination, the development of the fruit follows a distinct size pattern; the fruit length typically ranges from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1 cm, with an average length of approximately 0.9 cm. Similarly, the fruit width shows consistent dimensions, spanning from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1 cm, with a mean width of 0.9 cm.

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.9 cm

Fruit length min:

0.8 cm

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.9 cm

Fruit width min:

0.8 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.14 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.03 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cayratia mollissima has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Stem

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Preparations

Cayratia mollissima has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract.

Methanol extract

1. Journal of Asian natural products research