Homalomena pendula

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found across various regions within the Indian Subcontinent. Its natural habitat includes specific areas such as Assam and much of India. It is also widely distributed throughout Bangladesh and the East Himalaya region. Furthermore, its range extends into the Indo-China territory, specifically within Myanmar. Together, these locations define the diverse geographical footprint of Homalomena pendula.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Homalomena pendula is characterized by a perennial growth pattern that spans various ecological strata, though its classification can vary based on environmental conditions and developmental stages. In terms of its life form, the species exhibits a complex strategy that encompasses traits of a phaeonrophyte, as it often develops into a large, woody tree with significant vertical height, but it can also be categorized within the broader spectrum of chamaephyte or hemicryptophyte depending on the specific microhabitat and the survival of its buds near or just below the soil surface. Its life cycle begins with seed germination, typically in tropical or subtropical environments, leading to a robust vegetative phase marked by rapid canopy expansion. As a perennial, it maintains its structural integrity through woody tissues, allowing it to persist through seasonal shifts, while its reproductive cycle involves the production of inflorescences that facilitate genetic dispersal. The plant's ability to navigate different life forms—ranging from the substantial stature of a phanerophyte to the more resilient, low-growing tendencies of a chamaephyte in specific niches—underscores its adaptive plasticity within its native ecosystem.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Homalomena pendula is characterized by a non-woody growth form, primarily functioning as a herb with a maximum plant height reaching approximately 0.6 m. It exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit, rather than relying on other structures for upward movement. As a terrestrial organism, it is classified as a terrestrial epiphyte rather than a hemi-epiphyte or other epiphytic types, and it grows as an independent plant without any parasitic relationship to other species.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Homalomena pendula 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 rhizome.

Rhizome

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

Preparations

Homalomena pendula has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Pokou.

Pokou

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