Desmos cochinchinensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Unona cochinchinensis
• Desmos velutinus
• Unona velutina
• Unona cabog
• Desmos cochinchinensis var. fulvescens

Sources: Wikidata

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 Magnoliales, it is further categorized into the family Annonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Desmos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is documented in the state of Assam. The species also extends into the Indo-China region, where it can be found in Cambodia and Laos. Furthermore, its distribution includes the territory of Myanmar. Finally, the plant is noted to occur in the Nicobar Islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Desmos cochinchiensis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within this category, its developmental strategy aligns specifically with the nanophanerophyte and phanerophyte life forms, indicating a perennial existence with a structural investment in permanent, elevated branching systems. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its regenerative capacity through elevated meristems that remain protected during unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to persist through seasonal changes. This life history pattern supports its establishment in tropical or subtropical ecosystems, where its woody architecture provides the stability necessary for long-term survival and continuous growth cycles.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Desmos cochinchiensis is characterized by its woody nature and specific growth habits. It exhibits a shrub growth form, though it functions as a facultative climber, meaning it possesses the ability to scramble or ascend using external supports when available rather than being strictly obligatory. As a woody plant, its structural integrity is defined by lignified tissues that support its climbing or shrubby architecture.

Climber :

facultative

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Desmos cochinchiensis is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits, which serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal and protection. Within these fruits, the seeds exhibit a highly consistent morphology, with a measured seed volume that remains constant across samples. Specifically, the seed volume is recorded at a mean of 220 mm³, with both the minimum and maximum values reaching this exact threshold of 220 mm³. This uniformity in seed size, combined with the fleshy nature of the fruit, suggests a specialized reproductive strategy likely involving biotic dispersal agents.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

220 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Desmos cochinchinensis has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. Heliyon

Leaf

1. Heliyon

Chemicals

Desmos cochinchinensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pinocembrin 7-O-benzoate, chrysin.

Pinocembrin 7-O-benzoate

1. Heliyon

chrysin

1. Heliyon

Preparations

Desmos cochinchinensis has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include flower extracts, leaf extracts.

Flower extracts

1. Heliyon

Leaf extracts

1. Heliyon