Helicia nilagirica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Helicia erratica var. lungtauensis
• Helicia erratica var. sinica
• Helicia cornifolia
• Helicia erratica
• Helicia stricta

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Proteales, it is a member of the Proteaceae family. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Helicia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across parts of Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted within the South-Central region. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found in Assam and throughout the East Himalaya. The species also extends into the neighboring territory of Bangladesh. Finally, its distribution reaches into the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Helicia nilagirica is defined by its specific niche within montane ecosystems, where it thrives within a distinct altitudinal belt. This species is primarily distributed across higher elevations, occupying a specialized environmental range that begins at 800 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an adaptation to the cooler, more humid conditions characteristic of mid-to-high altitude tropical or subtropical montane forests. By inhabiting this specific elevational gradient, the plant interacts with unique microclimates, soil compositions, and moisture regimes that are strictly constrained between these two altitudinal limits.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Helicia nilagirica is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily functioning as a tree. This woody plant reaches a significant plant height, with a mean stature of approximately 8 meters. In terms of its structural habit, it exhibits characteristics of a self-supporting climber, possessing the ability to function as a liana or vine while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to be self-supporting rather than being an obligatory climber. As a terrestrial species, it grows directly from the ground rather than as an epiphyte, and its physical composition is distinctly woody.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Helicia nilagirica is characterized by specific metabolic and structural parameters that define its growth and survival strategies. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism typical of many woody tropical species, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. In terms of its structural integrity and biomass distribution, the species exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 762 mg/cm³, reflecting the density and mechanical strength of its vascular tissues.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

762 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Helicia nilagirica involves a complex dispersal strategy characterized by a multifaceted dispersal syndrome. While the plant exhibits traits that allow for various methods of movement, it primarily relies on zoochorous mechanisms, where seeds are transported by animals to new locations. However, its reproductive capacity is supported by an unspecialized dispersal profile that encompasses anemochorous, autochorous, and hydrochorous processes. This diversity in dispersal syndromes ensures that seeds can be spread through wind, self-ejection, or water currents, alongside animal-mediated transport, thereby maximizing the plant's ability to colonize different ecological niches within its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Helicia nilagirica has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf, seed.

Fruit

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Leaf

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Seed

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Helicia nilagirica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Compound 2, Gallic acid, Helicid, Helicide, p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde.

Compound 2

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Gallic acid

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Helicid

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Helicide

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Activities

Helicia nilagirica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Hypnotic, Sedative.

Analgesic

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Hypnotic

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Sedative

1. Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources

Medicinal Uses

Helicia nilagirica has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, hypnotic, sedative.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations