Horutonoki

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Adenodus sylvestris
• Elaeocarpus omeiensis
• Elaeocarpus henryi
• Elaeocarpus kwangtungensis

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 Oxalidales, it falls under the family Elaeocarpaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Elaeocarpus, which includes the species Elaeocarpus sylvestris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range primarily concentrated within East and Southeast Asia. In China, its distribution spans across the South-Central regions and the Southeast provinces. It is also notably found on the tropical island of Hainan. Moving beyond Chinese borders, the species extends into the Indo-China region. Specifically, its presence is well-documented within the country of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elaeocarpus sylvestris is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within its natural habitat. This species inhabits a diverse vertical gradient, occupying environments ranging from lower montane zones to higher elevations. Specifically, it is found at a minimum elevation of 350 m AMSL, extending upward to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. The ecological preference of the plant centers around a mean elevation of approximately 1175 m AMSL, suggesting that it is most commonly established in mid-elevation montane ecosystems where specific climatic and edaphic conditions are optimized for its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1175 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

350 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Elaeoocarpus sylvestris is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over many years. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located on aerial shoots well above the ground, a structural adaptation that defines its growth habit. Furthermore, the species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional throughout most of its life cycle rather than shedding all leaves seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elaeocarpus sylvestris is characterized by a robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a woody tree. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence within its habitat. Unlike climbing species such as lianas or vines that require external support, this plant is entirely self-supporting, exhibiting a sturdy structural integrity consistent with its tree-like stature. Its biological nature is strictly terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elaeoocarpus sylvestris is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy for efficient carbon fixation in many forest species. Its vegetative morphology includes elliptic leaves that feature crenate margins, providing a specific surface architecture for gas exchange and light interception. Notably, the plant lacks defensive structures on its foliage, as it possesses no leaf thorns and no leaf spines. In terms of structural composition, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 565 mg/cm³, reflecting its wood density and overall mechanical integrity.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf margin :

crenate

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

565 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elaeocarpus sylvestris is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for its progeny. These fruits typically exhibit a mean length of 1.1 cm, with dimensions ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 1.2 cm. The seeds contained within these fleshy structures are uniform in their physical properties, possessing a consistent mean mass of 0.29 g (with both minimum and maximum values recorded at 0.29 g) and a stable volume of 140 mm³. In terms of propagation strategy, the plant employs a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to facilitate the movement and distribution of its seeds across the environment.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

1.2 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.1 cm

Fruit length min:

1 cm

Seed mass mean:

0.29 g

Seed volume max:

140 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Elaeocarpus sylvestris 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. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Chemicals

Elaeocarpus sylvestris has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid, RUTIN, quercetin.

Gallic acid

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

RUTIN

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

quercetin

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Activities

Elaeocarpus sylvestris has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Medicinal Uses

Elaeocarpus sylvestris has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, Alzheimer's disease, antidiabetic.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations