Cinnamomum wilsonii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions within China. Its natural habitat can be found throughout the South-Central parts of the country. Additionally, the species extends its range into the North-Central territories. It also thrives within the diverse landscapes of Southeast China. Together, these areas define the primary geographical distribution of Cinnamomum wilsonii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cinnamomum wilsonii is defined by its specific vertical distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. The species is primarily found in high-altitude environments, exhibiting an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 800 m AMSL. As the terrain ascends, the plant thrives through a broad mid-range distribution, maintaining a mean elevation of approximately 1600 m AMSL. The upper limits of its ecological tolerance extend significantly higher, reaching a maximum elevation of 2400 m AMSL, which suggests an ability to adapt to the cooler, more specialized conditions characteristic of high-mountain forest strata.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cinnamomum wilsonii is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to maintain its presence in the ecosystem over many years through continuous growth cycles. Throughout its existence, it maintains a consistent foliage profile, as it is classified as an evergreen species, ensuring that it retains its leaves year-round rather than undergoing seasonal shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cinnamomum wilsonii is characterized by a robust growth form, specifically classified as a tree. This woody species reaches a significant plant height, with an average stature of approximately 20 m. Unlike climbing species, its structural development is entirely self-supporting, maintaining a stable and upright presence within its ecosystem.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Cinnamomum wilsonii is characterized by specific vegetative dimensions and nutritional strategies. The plant exhibits significant variability in its foliar architecture, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 8.5 cm to a maximum of 18 cm, maintaining a calculated mean length of 13.25 cm. The width of these leaves is similarly variable, spanning from a minimum of 3.2 cm to a maximum of 5.3 cm. In terms of nutrient acquisition and metabolic nitrogen sourcing, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of nitrogen from the soil through its root system rather than through symbiotic nitrogen-fixing processes.

Leaf length max:

18 cm

Leaf length mean:

13.25 cm

Leaf length min:

8.5 cm

Leaf width max:

5.3 cm

Leaf width min:

3.2 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cinnamomum wilsonii is characterized by its specialized flowering structures, specifically its inflorescence, which serves as the primary vehicle for its reproductive cycle. The plant produces inflorescences that typically measure between 0.03 m and 0.09 m in length. These relatively small, clustered floral arrangements are strategically structured to facilitate pollination, playing a critical role in the eventual development of seeds and the continuation of the species within its ecological niche.

Inflorescence length max:

0.09 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.03 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cinnamomum wilsonii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products