Entada spiralis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Entada, which includes the species Entada spiralis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is noted in Thailand. Moving toward the Malesia zone, it can be found throughout Malaya. Additionally, the species extends its range to include the island of Sumatera. These locations define the primary natural habitats where the species is currently distributed.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Entada spiralis is characterized by its growth form as a large, woody tree that functions as an obligatory climber. It is a terrestrial plant, meaning it grows in the soil rather than as an epiphyte, and it can reach a significant stature with a mean and maximum plant height of 25 m.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Entada spiralis is characterized by its robust metabolic processes as a woody climber, which supports its rapid growth and extensive structural development. A key aspect of its nutritional physiology is its relationship with soil nutrients; specifically, regarding its capacity for nitrogen acquisition, this plant is not a nitrogen fixer. Unlike species that form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, Entada spiralis relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium directly from the soil through its root system. Its physiological processes involve efficient transpiration rates to facilitate nutrient transport through its large, climbing stems and a photosynthetic mechanism optimized for high-canopy light interception. The plant's metabolic energy is heavily directed toward the production of secondary metabolites and the development of large, woody seed pods, driven by the efficient translocation of carbohydrates from its leaves to its various storage organs.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Entada spiralis 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 stem.

Stem

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Entada spiralis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, (-)-Epicatechin, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone, Gallic acid, kaempferol.

(+)-catechin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

kaempferol

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations