Decalobanthus mammosus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ipomoea mammosa
• Ipomoea gomezii
• Merremia mammosa
• Convolvulus mammosus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Solanales, it is classified under the family Convolvulaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Decalobanthus and the species mammosus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the state of Assam as well as throughout Bangladesh. Its presence also extends into the Indo-China region, specifically encompassing the Andaman Islands. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the forested areas of Myanmar. Finally, its geographical range includes the tropical landscapes of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Decalobanthus mammosus is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it functions as a cryptophyte, utilizing specialized underground organs to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. More specifically, its growth habit is classified as a geophyte, meaning it relies on these subterranean storage organs to endure periods of dormancy and ensure its long-term survival within its ecological niche.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Decalobanthus mammosus is characterized by a significant growth habit, reaching an average plant height of approximately 5 m. It functions as an obligatory climber, relying on external structures for vertical support to ascend through its habitat. Despite its climbing nature, the species is an independent organism rather than a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional processes without depending on a host for sustenance. Furthermore, its ecological positioning is strictly terrestrial, growing from the ground rather than existing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

5 m

Physiology

The physiology of Decalobanthus mammosus is characterized by distinct metabolic processes and nutritional strategies adapted to its specific environmental niche. Regarding its nutrient acquisition capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological reliance for nitrogen uptake is centered on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium ions directly from the soil through its root system. This metabolic profile dictates its growth patterns and its dependency on soil fertility for essential protein synthesis and chlorophyll production.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Decalobanthus mammosus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Mammoside A, Mammoside B, Mammoside H1, Mammoside H2, Mammoside I.

Mammoside A

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Mammoside B

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Mammoside H1

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Mammoside H2

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Mammoside I

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Preparations

Decalobanthus mammosus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Jamu raw material, tuber.

Jamu raw material

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Tuber

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin