Dendrophthoe pentandra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Scurrula pentandra
• Scurrula venosa
• Elytranthe farinosa
• Elytranthe rigida
• Dendrophthoe farinosa
• Etubila maculata
• Meiena axillaris
• Loranthus zimmermannii
• Loranthus venosus
• Loranthus rigidus
• Loranthus maculatus
• Loranthus finlaysonianus
• Loranthus flavus
• Loranthus farinosus
• Dendrophthoe venosa
• Dendrophthoe leucobotrya

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Santalales, it is specifically categorized under the family Loranthaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dendrophthoe.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across various regions of Asia. In China, it can be found specifically throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is documented in the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is widely distributed within the borders of Bangladesh. Finally, its natural habitat also includes the mountainous terrain of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dendrophthoe pentandra is characterized by its distribution across a diverse altitudinal gradient, reflecting its adaptability to various topographic settings. It typically thrives in habitats ranging from low-lying areas to mid-elevation regions, with its presence recorded from a minimum elevation of 20 m AMSL up to a maximum of 1380 m AMSL. On average, the species is most frequently encountered at a mean elevation of 360 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for lowland to sub-montane ecological zones within its native range.

Elevational range max:

1380 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

360 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

20 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Dendrophthoe pentandra is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. While it exhibits characteristics of a climber, it is specifically classified as a self-supporting type rather than an obligatory or facultative vine. Furthermore, the plant exhibits an obligatory epiphytic lifestyle, growing upon other plants to sustain its biological functions.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dendrophthoe pentandra is characterized by the development of distinct fruits that follow specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length within this species exhibits measurable variability, ranging from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1 cm. On average, the fruit length is recorded at 0.9 cm, representing the typical size during the reproductive phase. This size range is a key identifier for the species' fruiting structures as they mature and facilitate the subsequent stages of its life cycle.

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.9 cm

Fruit length min:

0.8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dendrophthoe pentandra 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. Veterinary world

Chemicals

Dendrophthoe pentandra has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Veterinary world

Conditions

Dendrophthoe pentandra has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Newcastle disease, Newcastle disease virus, high blood pressure.

Newcastle disease

1. F1000Research

Newcastle disease virus

1. F1000Research

High blood pressure

1. Journal of natural medicines