Spider Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Spider Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Brassicales and the family Capparaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identification is completed at the genus level as Crateva.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its presence also extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically inhabiting the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Bangladesh. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Crateva unilocularis is characterized by its adaptability across diverse montane and sub-montane landscapes, occupying a broad altitudinal gradient. This species thrives within a specific vertical distribution, ranging from a minimum elevation of 460 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1600 m AMSL. This elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of colonizing various ecological niches, from lower tropical or subtropical foothills to higher, cooler montane zones. Such a wide distribution indicates a tolerance for varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures, allowing it to play a role in different forest strata and successional stages within its habitat.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

460 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Crateva unilocularis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Its physiological rhythm is marked by a deciduous growth habit, meaning it undergoes a period of seasonal leaf shedding before regenerating its foliage.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crateva unilocularis is characterized by its significant stature and structural development, typically manifesting as a tree with a mean height reaching approximately 12 m. As a woody species, it possesses a robust and durable framework that supports its growth form. Although it exhibits the structural characteristics of a tree, its climbing habit is classified as self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its upright posture without the need for external hosts.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Crateva unilocularis is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward survival in tropical and subtropical environments, though it does not possess the specialized symbiotic mechanisms required to function as a nitrogen fixer. Unlike certain leguminous species that host rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, this plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its physiological profile includes a robust photosynthetic capacity supported by specialized leaf structures that facilitate efficient gas exchange and light absorption. The plant's metabolic pathways are optimized for the synthesis of various secondary metabolites, which serve defensive and physiological roles, while its water regulation and nutrient transport systems are adapted to manage the humidity and seasonal rainfall patterns of its native habitats.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Crateva unilocularis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant.

Antidiabetic

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Antioxidant

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Conditions

Crateva unilocularis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Preparations

Crateva unilocularis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extracts.

Methanol extracts

1. TheScientificWorldJournal