Illigera henryi

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Illigera henryi, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Laurales. Finally, it is a member of the family Hernandiaceae and falls under the genus Illigera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the country of China. Its geographical presence is primarily concentrated in the South-Central part of the nation. Additionally, it can be found growing across the Southeast territories of China. These distinct locations define the natural range where the species thrives. Consequently, its distribution is limited to these specific southern and central Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Illigera henryi is characterized by its specific distribution within montane environments, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found at high elevations, thriving within a specific vertical range that begins at a minimum of 1100 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1600 m AMSL. Within this ecological belt, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1350 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the particular climatic conditions, moisture levels, and temperature gradients typical of these mid-to-high altitude forest strata.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1100 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Illigera henryi is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend surrounding vegetation. The plant features slender, woody stems that exhibit a twining mechanism to secure its position during upward growth. Its foliage typically consists of simple or occasionally trifoliate leaves, which are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaf blades are generally ovate to elliptical in shape, possessing entire margins and distinct venation patterns that facilitate efficient nutrient transport. The reproductive structures consist of small, inconspicuous flowers that emerge from the axils, leading to the development of characteristic fleshy fruits that are essential for seed dispersal.

Climber :

obligatory

Physiology

The physiological profile of Illigera henryi is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions of its foliage, which serve as critical indicators of its vegetative development and photosynthetic capacity. The leaf structure exhibits significant variability in size, with the leaf length typically ranging from a minimum of 8 cm to a mean of 10.5 cm, reaching a maximum extent of 13 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width demonstrates a consistent breadth, fluctuating between a minimum of 5 cm and a maximum of 8 cm, with an average width measured at 6.5 cm. These dimensional parameters suggest a specialized surface area optimization that facilitates efficient gas exchange and light interception within its specific ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

13 cm

Leaf length mean:

10.5 cm

Leaf length min:

8 cm

Leaf width max:

8 cm

Leaf width mean:

6.5 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Illigera henryi is characterized by the development of specialized inflorescences that facilitate its flowering process. These reproductive structures vary in size, typically exhibiting an inflorescence length ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.18 m. Through these floral arrangements, the plant undergoes its sexual reproductive cycle, which is essential for the eventual production of seeds and the continuation of the species within its natural habitat.

Inflorescence length max:

0.18 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.05 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Illigera henryi has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Actinodaphnine.

Actinodaphnine

1. Journal of natural medicines

Conditions

Illigera henryi has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis

1. Journal of natural medicines