Telegraph plant

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• semaphore-plant
• telegraph-plant
• dancing plant
• semaphore plant
• telegraph plant

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pseudarthria gyrans
• Codariocalyx gyrans
• Desmodium motorium
• Desmodium gyrans var. roylei
• Codariocalyx gyrans var. roylei
• Hedysarum saliens
• Hedysarum motorium
• Meibomia gyrans
• Codariocalyx motorius var. glaber
• Hedysarum gyrans
• Codariocalyx motorius var. roylei
• Desmodium gyrans
• Desmodium roylei

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Codariocalyx.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its presence extends to Eastern Asia, specifically documented in Taiwan. Additionally, the species is located within the Indian Subcontinent, notably in the Assam region. These diverse habitats highlight the wide ecological range of Codariocalyx motorius.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Codariocalyx motorius is defined by its ability to inhabit a broad altitudinal gradient, demonstrating significant adaptability across diverse montane environments. This species thrives within a substantial elevational range, establishing itself in habitats starting from as low as 300 m AMSL and extending upward to a maximum altitude of 2800 m AMSL. This wide vertical distribution suggests that the plant can tolerate varying degrees of temperature fluctuations, atmospheric pressure changes, and moisture availability characteristic of both lowland tropical settings and high-elevation montane zones. Such an expansive ecological niche allows the species to colonize a variety of microclimates, ranging from warmer, humid foothills to the cooler, more temperate conditions found in higher mountain reaches.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Codariocalyx motorius is characterized by a distinct growth form and structural habit. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its specialized structural adaptations to ascend without requiring external hosts. While its overall growth form is classified as a shrub, it possesses a woody nature, providing the necessary rigidity and perennial structure to sustain its climbing habit. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial plant, establishing its root system and primary development within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Codariocalyx motorius 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. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Activities

Codariocalyx motorius has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cardiotonic.

Cardiotonic

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Preparations

Codariocalyx motorius has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include DGM, Methanolic Extract, methanolic extract.

Dgm

1. Indian journal of pharmacology

Methanolic extract

1. Indian journal of pharmacology

Methanolic extract

1. Indian journal of pharmacology