Homalium stenophyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Homalium stenophyllum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Salicaceae and the genus Homalium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very restricted geographical range within its natural habitat. Specifically, its presence is documented within the borders of China. Within this country, the species is found exclusively on the island of Hainan. This localized distribution suggests that the plant may have specific ecological requirements unique to this tropical region. Consequently, the survival of Homalium stenophyllum is closely tied to the environmental conditions of this single island location.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Homalium stenophyllum is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within its native mountainous habitats. This species thrives across a distinct elevational gradient, primarily occupying mid-to-high altitude zones. Its ecological niche is defined by an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 800 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant reaches its optimal ecological conditions at a mean elevation of approximately 1400 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the temperate or sub-tropical montane environments found at these mid-range altitudes.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Homalium stenophyllum is characterized by its robust growth form, which primarily presents as a woody tree. This plant exhibits a distinct structural habit, functioning as a self-supporting climber, which allows it to ascend and stabilize itself within its natural habitat. Its physical architecture is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary structural integrity to support its height and branching patterns.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Homalium stenophyllum is characterized by the development of specific fruit structures that facilitate the continuation of the species. The fruit produced by this plant is remarkably consistent in its dimensions, exhibiting no variance across sampled populations. Specifically, the fruit length is uniform, with a minimum, mean, and maximum measurement all recorded at exactly 0.35 cm. This precise morphological trait indicates a highly stabilized reproductive output regarding the size of the fruit, which plays a critical role in the plant's dispersal mechanism and life cycle.

Fruit length max:

0.35 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Homalium stenophyllum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines
2. Natural product research

Chemicals

Homalium stenophyllum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Homalium stenophyllum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines