Dischidia bengalensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dischidia bengalensis var. spathulata
• Dischidia spatulata
• Dischidia bengalensis var. cuneifolia
• Dischidia cuneifolia
• Dischidia loeseneriana
• Dischidia pseudobenghalensis

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 further categorized into the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Dischidid.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, its presence is documented in the state of Assam and throughout the country of Bangladesh. It can also be found growing in the rugged terrain of the East Himalaya and across the landscapes of Nepal. Beyond the Indian Subcontinent, its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within Myanmar. Together, these areas define the diverse geographical footprint of Dischidia bengalensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dischidia bengalensis is characterized by its specific distribution within montane and sub-montane environments, where it thrives across a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 300 m AMSL to a maximum of 1100 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant occupies specialized niches that provide the necessary microclimatic conditions for its survival, often adapting to the moisture levels and light availability inherent to these mid-elevation tropical or subtropical zones. The ability to inhabit such a broad elevational span suggests a degree of ecological plasticity, allowing it to persist in diverse forest strata or rocky outcrops found between these specific altitude limits.

Elevational range max:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Dischidia bengalensis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as an obligatory climber, specifically exhibiting a hemiepiphyte life strategy, meaning it often begins its life cycle attached to a host but relies on its epiphytic nature for structural support. As an obligatory epiphyte, it is specialized for life perched upon other plants rather than growing terrestrially. The plant lacks any woody tissue, maintaining a soft, herbaceous structure throughout its development.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

hemiepiphyte

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dischidia bengalensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fatty acids, Terpenoids.

Fatty acids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Terpenoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Dischidia bengalensis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Thrombolytic.

Analgesic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Thrombolytic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Dischidia bengalensis has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include acute pain, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis.

Acute pain

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Thrombosis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Dischidia bengalensis has 4 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanolic extract, n-hexane.

Dichloromethane

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Ethyl acetate

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Methanolic extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

N-hexane

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)