Gardenia obtusifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Gentianales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. It is specifically identified under the genus Gardenia as Gardenia obtusifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of the Indo-China region. Within this area, its presence is documented throughout the country of Cambodia. It also grows naturally across the territories of Laos and Myanmar. Furthermore, the species can be found flourishing in the tropical environments of Thailand. Finally, its geographical range extends into the lush forests of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Gardenia obtusifolia is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, signifying its growth habit as a woody plant that maintains its perennating buds well above the soil surface. Within this structural framework, the species can also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, depending on the environmental conditions and the specific height of its woody canopy. As a perennial woody shrub, its life cycle involves the establishment of a persistent stem system that supports seasonal foliage and reproductive development. The plant undergoes a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and flowering, utilizing its elevated buds to survive varying seasonal shifts, ensuring long-term survival through its robust, perennial architecture.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Gardenia obtusifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, as it maintains a strictly terrestrial life habit. While it possesses the structural integrity of a woody plant, its growth habit is categorized as self-supporting rather than utilizing a climbing mechanism.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Gardenia obtusifolia 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. Molecular pharmacology

Chemicals

Gardenia obtusifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,3'-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavone, Compound 2, PMF.

5,3'-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavone

1. Molecular pharmacology

Compound 2

1. Phytochemistry

PMF

1. Molecular pharmacology

Activities

Gardenia obtusifolia has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Cytotoxic.

Antibacterial

1. Phytochemistry

Anticancer

1. Molecular pharmacology

Cytotoxic

1. Phytochemistry

Medicinal Uses

Gardenia obtusifolia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, tumorigenesis.

Most Reported Uses