Blackflower Teacost

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Blackflower Teacost

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rabdosia trichocarpa
• Plectranthus trichocarpus
• Amethystanthus trichocarpus
• Rabdosia trichocarpa f. erythrantha
• Rabdosia trichocarpa f. leucantha
• Isodon trichocarpus f. erythranthus
• Isodon trichocarpus f. leucanthus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Isodon trichocarpus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Lamiaceae and falls under the genus Isodon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Isodon trichocarpus, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural occurrence is strictly confined to the region of Eastern Asia. Within this vast continent, the species is documented to grow specifically in Japan. Because of this restricted habitat, it is considered an endemic feature of the local Japanese landscape. Consequently, understanding its precise distribution is essential for the conservation of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Isodon trichocarpus is characterized by a perennial growth habit where its survival strategy is defined by its specific life form classification. Categorized as a hemicryptophyte, the plant ensures its persistence through seasonal changes by protecting its perennating buds at the soil surface or just below it. This biological framework allows the species to transition between various developmental stages, functioning within a structural range that encompasses characteristics of both nanophanophytes and phanerophytes. As a hemicryptophyte, it maintains a robust life cycle capable of enduring environmental fluctuations, utilizing its protected bud structures to regenerate and sustain its presence in its natural habitat.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Isodon trichocarpus is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic behavior, and maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than growing as an epiphyte. In terms of its climbing habit, the plant is classified as self-supporting.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Isodon trichocarpus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Enmein, Oridonin, Ponicidin.

Enmein

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Oridonin

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Ponicidin

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Activities

Isodon trichocarpus has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimutagenic, Antitumor, Pesticide.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimutagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Pesticide

1. Dr. Duke