Coptosapelta tomentosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Stylocoryna tomentosa
• Webera tomentosa
• Coptosapelta flavescens
• Coptosapelta flavescens var. dongnaiensis

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales, it is specifically positioned within the Rubiaceae family. It is further identified by the genus Coptosapelta, to which the species tomentosa belongs.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Coptosapelta tomentoza, exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the Indo-China region. It can be found growing naturally across several Southeast Asian nations. Specifically, its distribution includes the territories of Cambodia and Laos. The species also inhabits parts of Myanmar and Thailand. Finally, its presence is documented within the borders of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Coptispeletta tomeoza is characterized by its distinct growth strategies, manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on environmental conditions and developmental stages. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its elevating shoots well above the soil surface, allowing it to establish a significant vertical presence within its ecosystem. Complementing this, its classification as a nanophanerophyte indicates that its reproductive and photosynthetic structures are held close to the ground, typically within a very low stature, which aids in survival during harsh seasonal shifts. This dual life form strategy enables the species to navigate varying microclimates, balancing the need for light competition through taller growth with the protective benefits of low-lying, compact development.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Coptosapelta tomecosa is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber that relies on external structures for vertical ascent. Although it exhibits characteristics of a shrub in certain developmental stages, its primary growth form is that of a climbing vine. It is a terrestrial plant, meaning it is not epiphytic, and it maintains an independent life cycle without acting as a parasite on host organisms. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary strength for its liana growth habit.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Coptosapelta tomentosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone.

1-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone

1. Acta tropica