bilobed grewia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bilobed grewia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malvaceae and is placed in the genus Grewia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found throughout various regions of China, spanning from the south-central to the north-central areas. Its presence is also well-documented across the southeast portion of the country. Beyond mainland China, the species extends its range into Eastern Asia, specifically within Korea. Additionally, the distribution includes the island of Taiwan. Together, these locations define the core geographical footprint of Grewia biloba.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Grewia biloba is characterized by its specific niche within its native habitat, where it is found at an elevational range strictly limited to 1000 m AMSL. This precise altitudinal constraint suggests a highly specialized adaptation to the environmental conditions present at this specific height, such as particular atmospheric pressures, temperature gradients, and moisture availability. Occupying this specific elevational belt, the species likely interacts with a unique assemblage of soil compositions and microclimates that are characteristic of that exact altitude, which dictates its distribution and competitive interactions within its ecosystem.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Grewia biloba is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its vegetative structure and survives for multiple years throughout its existence. As a long-lived woody species, it does not follow the rapid turnover of annuals or the two-year cycle of biennials; instead, it establishes a stable presence in its ecosystem, undergoing seasonal growth phases. Its life cycle involves a transition from seed germination to the establishment of a robust woody framework, followed by recurring reproductive phases where it produces flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of the species. This perennial nature allows the plant to develop significant biomass and adapt to its environmental conditions over many growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Grewia biloba is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub or small tree. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as a climber. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic characteristics. Furthermore, it is an independent species that does not function as a parasite, relying on its own structural integrity and woody tissues for development and support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Grewia biloba is characterized by a metabolic framework that utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where carbon fixation occurs directly through the Calvin cycle without the spatial separation of CO2 uptake and sugar production seen in other pathways. This C3 pathway involves the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) to form a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. Because it relies on this specific pathway, the plant's gas exchange and water-use efficiency are closely tied to its stomatal conductance and environmental temperature, influencing its overall carbon assimilation rates and growth patterns in its native habitat.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Grewia biloba is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical properties. Based on botanical data, the seeds produced by this species maintain a uniform weight, with a recorded seed mass mean of 0.04508 g. This consistency is reflected in the lack of variance within the sample, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are identical at 0.04508 g. This uniformity in seed mass suggests a standardized energy investment during the reproductive phase, ensuring that each seed possesses a specific, predictable mass for dispersal and subsequent germination processes.

Seed mass mean:

0.04508 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Grewia biloba has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Friedelin, HENEICOSANOIC ACID, Propyl palmitate.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Friedelin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

HENEICOSANOIC ACID

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Propyl palmitate

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials