Danda Thor

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Sullu Spurge

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Euphorbia, and its species name, royaleana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. In China, its presence is noted specifically within the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving eastward, the species can also be found throughout Taiwan in Eastern Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it inhabits the lush regions of Assam. Additionally, the plant is distributed across the high-altitude areas of the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Euphorbia royleanana is characterized by its presence in specific montane and sub-montane habitats, where it occupies a defined altitudinal niche. This species is typically found within an elevational range that begins at 900 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2100 m AMSL. Within this vertical gradient, the plant adapts to the varying climatic conditions, moisture levels, and soil compositions found across these mid-to-high altitude zones. Its distribution is closely tied to these specific topographic constraints, allowing it to thrive in the unique microclimates provided by these elevated terrains.

Elevational range max:

2100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Euphorbia royleanana is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habits and architectural life forms, the plant exhibits characteristics of both phanerophytes, where the reproductive shoots are elevated well above the ground level, and nanophanerophytes, indicating a degree of shrubby development where the permanent stems are kept relatively low to the substrate.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Euphorbia royleana is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and perennial structure. As a terrestrial plant, it grows independently of other organisms, functioning as an independent species rather than a parasite. While it possesses a woody constitution, its structural habit is primarily that of a self-supporting shrub, distinguishing it from climbing forms such as lianas or vines. It does not exhibit obligatory or facultative climbing behaviors, nor does it function as an epiphyte, instead maintaining a stable, self-supporting upright posture in its natural habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of the foliage in Euphorbia royleana exhibit significant morphological variability, particularly regarding the dimensions of its leaves. The leaf length is characterized by a broad range, with a minimum measurement of 5 cm and a mean length of approximately 10 cm, reaching a maximum extent of up to 15 cm. Complementing these longitudinal dimensions, the leaf width also shows considerable fluctuation, ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 4 cm, with a mean width recorded at 2.5 cm. This variation in leaf size and proportion plays a critical role in the plant's surface area regulation, influencing its photosynthetic capacity and transpiration rates within its natural environment.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

10 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

4 cm

Leaf width mean:

2.5 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Euphorbia royleana is characterized by a specific flowering window and the development of diminutive fruit. The flowering period typically begins in June and concludes in July, though the timing can be variable across different months of the year. Following pollination, the plant produces small fruits that exhibit very tight morphological dimensions. The fruit length is minimal, ranging from a minimum of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 0.12 cm, with an average length of approximately 0.11 cm. In terms of width, the fruit remains remarkably consistent, maintaining a width of 0.15 cm, which serves as both the minimum, maximum, and mean value for this dimension.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit length max:

0.12 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.11 cm

Fruit length min:

0.1 cm

Fruit width max:

0.15 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Euphorbia royleana 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Current pharmaceutical design

Stem

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Euphorbia royleana has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-hydroxy-3-(6- hydroxy-6-methylhept-1-en-2-yl)benzoic acid, Flavonoids, Gallic acid, Phenols, Saponins.

2-hydroxy-3-(6- hydroxy-6-methylhept-1-en-2-yl)benzoic acid

1. Natural product research

Flavonoids

1. Gene

Gallic acid

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Phenols

1. Gene

Saponins

1. Gene

Steroids

1. Gene

Activities

Euphorbia royleana has 4 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Antioxidant

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Antitumor

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Medicinal Uses

Euphorbia royleana has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, inflammation.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations