Gymnosphaera gigantea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dichorexia gigantea
• Cyathea gigantea
• Cyathea balakrishnanii
• Alsophila helferiana
• Alsophila gigantea
• Alsophila polycampta
• Alsophila umbrosa

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Gymnosphaera gigantea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Polypodiinae within the order Cyatheales. Finally, it is situated in the family Cyatheaceae under the genus Gymnosphaera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing within the specific territories of India and Bangladesh. Its presence extends into the lush landscapes of Assam. Furthermore, the species is documented throughout the mountainous terrain of Nepal. Finally, it is also commonly located across the East Himalaya region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Gymnosphaera gigantea is characterized by a robust physical structure adapted to its specific ecological niche, exhibiting a versatile growth habit that can be classified across a spectrum of moisture levels including aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. The plant typically features thick, fleshy tissues designed to manage hydration, whether submerged or growing in damp soil. Its vegetative body often presents a substantial mass, reflecting its "gigantea" designation, with structural elements that allow for stability in both saturated substrates and more stable land settings. The leaf or photosynthetic structures are often adapted to these varying moisture regimes, showing morphological plasticity to optimize gas exchange and light absorption depending on whether the plant is functioning in an aquatic or terrestrial state.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Gymnosphaera gigantea has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies

Preparations

Gymnosphaera gigantea has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include active extract.

Active extract

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine