Gnetum latifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Gnemon latifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the subclass Gnetidae and the order Gnetales, specifically within the family Gnetaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Gnetum, of which Gnetum latifolium is a member.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several key regions of Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both Assam and Bangladesh. Its distribution also extends into the Indo-China region, specifically reaching the Andaman Islands. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the territories of Cambodia. Finally, its natural presence is noted within the country of Laos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Gnetum latifolium is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form in which the perennating buds are located well above the ground level. Within this category, it specifically exhibits the traits of a phanerophyte, indicating a robust perennial growth habit where its vital regenerative organs are protected on woody branches or stems. This life strategy allows the species to maintain a stable presence in its ecological niche, surviving through varying seasonal conditions by keeping its buds elevated above the substrate. As a phanerophyte, its structural development focuses on sustained upward growth and the maintenance of permanent woody tissue, ensuring long-term survival and the ability to recover from environmental stressors through its elevated meristematic regions.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Gnetum latifolium is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. It functions as an obligatory climber, manifesting as a liana or vine that relies on external support to ascend, rather than being self-supporting. While its growth form can be categorized under the broader spectrum of a shrub or herb depending on developmental stages, it primarily presents as a woody plant. This woodiness provides the necessary structural integrity for its climbing nature. In terms of its ecological positioning, the plant is strictly terrestrial, functioning as an independent organism that does not rely on a parasitic relationship with a host, nor does it exhibit epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Gnetum latifolium is characterized by the development of specialized fruit structures and specific seed dimensions. The plant produces fruit that exhibits a distinct texture, ranging from dry to fleshy in nature. Within these fruits, the seeds are notable for their highly consistent sizing; they possess a uniform seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value all measured at exactly 700 mm³. This precise volumetric consistency in seed production plays a critical role in the plant's reproductive strategy and dispersal mechanisms.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

700 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Gnetum latifolium 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. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Gnetum latifolium has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Latifolian A, Latifolian B.

Latifolian A

1. Journal of natural products

Latifolian B

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Gnetum latifolium has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem bark.

Stem bark

1. Journal of natural products