Cephalotaxus mannii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several specific regions of Asia. In China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central areas to the Southeast. Additionally, its presence extends into the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Finally, its range encompasses the rugged terrain of the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Cephalotaxus mannii is characterized by its distinctively woody habit, forming a robust and perennial structure typical of many gymnosperms. The plant features a perennial, woody stem system that provides a firm framework for its growth, exhibiting a strong, lignified texture. The leaves are typically arranged in a spiral or pseudo-whorled fashion along the branches, appearing leathery and lanceolate to ovate in shape, with a deep green coloration and a smooth, somewhat glossy upper surface. The branching pattern is often dense, contributing to a compact or spreading shrubby to small tree-like architecture. Reproductive structures are specialized, often involving fleshy, somewhat modified structures that serve to facilitate seed dispersal, consistent with the architectural complexity of its woody framework.

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cephalotaxus mannii is characterized by specialized structural adaptations and metabolic processes that support its growth in specific ecological niches. A key component of its physical constitution is its structural density, which influences its mechanical strength and resource allocation strategies. Specifically, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a measured mean value of 703 mg/cm³. This density parameter plays a critical role in the plant's physiological efficiency, as it dictates the relationship between the structural support of the vascular system and the metabolic cost of producing woody tissue. This specific density contributes to the overall hydraulic conductivity and the structural integrity of the stems, ensuring that the plant can effectively transport water and nutrients while maintaining resistance to environmental stressors.

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

703 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cephalotaxus mannii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Baccatin III, Cephalomannine, TAXOL.

Baccatin III

1. Dr. Duke

Cephalomannine

1. Dr. Duke

TAXOL

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Cephalotaxus mannii has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiangiogenic, Anticarcinomic, Antileukemic, Antimelanomic, Antimitotic.

Antiangiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

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Antileukemic

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Antimelanomic

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Antimitotic

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Antitrypanosomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor (Lung)

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor (Prostate)

1. Dr. Duke