Clausena lenis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Clausena kerrii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, falling into the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Clausena, specifically as the species Clausena lenis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions in East and Southeast Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The species also extends into the Indo-China region, where it can be found in Laos. Additionally, it is documented to grow within the borders of Thailand. Together, these locations define the specific geographical range of Clausena lenis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clauseuna lenis is closely tied to its specific altitudinal preferences within montane ecosystems. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, typically establishing itself in habitats situated between 900 m and 1500 m AMSL (meters above sea level). This vertical distribution suggests a preference for mid-elevation montane environments, where temperature fluctuations and moisture availability are regulated by the specific topographical positioning within these ranges. The environmental conditions found between these minimum and maximum altitudes likely dictate the species' niche, influencing its growth patterns and interaction with surrounding biotic and abiotic factors.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clausena lenis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located well above the ground level, typically on woody branches. Within this category, its structural development aligns with the traits of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a perennial existence where the plant maintains a permanent woody structure that protects its reproductive and vegetative buds from seasonal environmental stressors. This life strategy allows the species to establish a stable, long-term presence in its habitat, utilizing its elevated meristematic tissue to survive through varying climatic conditions.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Clausena lenis is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. This plant functions as a climber, specifically manifesting as a self-supporting liana or vine that utilizes surrounding structures for upward movement. Its climbing mechanism can be described as self-supporting in nature, exhibiting both obligatory and facultative tendencies as it navigates its environment. Furthermore, the plant possesses a woody constitution, featuring a firm, lignified stem structure that supports its development as a perennial climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Clausena lenis has 2 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, leaf.

Stem

1. Natural product research
2. Bioorganic chemistry

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Activities

Clausena lenis has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neuroprotective.

Neuroprotective

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Clausena lenis has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stems.

Stems

1. Bioorganic chemistry