Cryptocarya densiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Laurus triplinervia
• Cryptocarya scalariformis
• Caryodaphne densiflora
• Cryptocarya cinnamomifolia
• Cryptocarya camptodroma
• Cryptocarya annamensis
• Cryptocarya affinis
• Cryptocarya fleuryi
• Cryptocarya oligoneura

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Laurales, and the family Lauraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Cryptocarya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found spanning the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its range extends further into the Indo-China peninsula as well. Specifically, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Cambodia. Additionally, the plant is also native to the mountainous landscapes of Laos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cryptocarya densiflora is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species thrives across a broad elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 650 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1600 m AMSL. Within this range, the plant finds its optimal environmental conditions at a mean elevation of approximately 1125 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-elevation montane ecosystems. This vertical stratification influences the specific microclimates, temperature regimes, and moisture availability to which the species is adapted as it moves from lower slopes toward higher montane reaches.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1125 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

650 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cryptocarya densiflora is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, a structural adaptation that defines its growth habit. Furthermore, this species exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally, which allows for continuous metabolic activity.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cryptocarya densiflora is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or vine. As a terrestrial plant, it grows independently and does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior. In terms of stature, the species displays significant variation in size, with heights ranging from a minimum of 7 m to a maximum of 20 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 13.25 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

13.25 m

Plant height min:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cryptocarya densiflora is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a carbon fixation process typical of many woody tropical species. The plant's vegetative structure displays specific leaf dimensions, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 10 cm to a maximum of 15 cm, maintaining a mean length of 12.5 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width varies between a minimum of 5 cm and a maximum of 8.5 cm. Structural integrity and biomass investment are reflected in its stem specific density (SSD), which maintains a mean value of 554 mg/cm³. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on soil nutrient availability for its nitrogen requirements.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

12.5 cm

Leaf length min:

10 cm

Leaf width max:

8.5 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

554 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cryptocarya densiflora is characterized by a distinct inflorescence structure and specific fruiting morphology. The plant produces inflorescences that vary in length, ranging from a minimum of 0.025 m to a maximum of 0.08 m. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits classified as drupes, which are indehiscent in nature. These drupes exhibit significant morphological variation in size; the fruit length ranges from a minimum of 1.2 cm to a maximum of 1.8 cm, with an average length of approximately 1.475 cm. Similarly, the fruit width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 2.5 cm, resulting in a mean width of 1.905 cm. To facilitate the spread of its offspring, the plant utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport its fruits to new locations.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit length max:

1.8 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.475 cm

Fruit length min:

1.2 cm

Fruit type :

drupe

Fruit width max:

2.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

1.905 cm

Fruit width min:

1.5 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.08 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.025 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cryptocarya densiflora 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. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Chemicals

Cryptocarya densiflora has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cryptolaevilactone I.

Cryptolaevilactone I

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin