Wrinkleleaf Teacost

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Wrinkleleaf Teacost

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lumnitzera densiflora
• Ocimum densiflorum
• Plectranthus rugosus
• Rabdosia rugosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Lamiales, and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Isodon, specifically the species Isodon rugosus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range that spans multiple distinct regions across Asia. Within Western Asia, its presence can be documented in the country of Afghanistan. It is also found within the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the nation of Oman. Moving toward the East, its distribution extends into China, specifically within the Tibet region. Finally, the species is prevalent across the Indian Subcontinent, covering both Bangladesh and the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Isodon rugosus is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitat. This species thrives across a significant vertical distribution, occupying diverse ecological niches ranging from lower montane regions to higher elevations. Specifically, its environmental tolerance allows it to establish itself at a minimum elevation of 800 m AMSL, extending upward to reach a maximum elevational range of 2800 m AMSL. This broad elevational spread suggests the plant is capable of navigating varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures associated with different mountain strata.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Isodon rugosus is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a robust presence within its native ecosystem. In terms of its structural growth habit and life form, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, typically developing significant woody structures that elevate its photosynthetic organs well above the ground level. This growth strategy enables it to compete effectively for light and resources within its habitat over a long lifespan.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Isodon rugosus is characterized by its distinct growth form and structural complexity. It presents as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and lignified stem structure. In terms of its climbing habit, the plant functions as a self-supporting liana or vine, demonstrating a facultative ability to climb while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to remain self-supporting. It is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a strictly terrestrial life habit rather than an epiphytic one.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Isodon rugosus is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and highly consistent seed characteristics. The flowering period typically commences in April and extends through August, though the timing can be variable within the seasonal cycle. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces seeds that exhibit extreme uniformity in mass; the seed mass is recorded at a consistent value of 0.00041 g, with the mean, maximum, and minimum measurements all aligning at this exact weight.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Aug

Seed mass mean:

0.00041 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Isodon rugosus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, Germacrene D, rosmarinic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Germacrene D

1. Natural product research

rosmarinic acid

1. PloS one

Activities

Isodon rugosus has 13 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu.

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. EXCLI journal

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antimicrobial

1. EXCLI journal

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Isodon rugosus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations