Spiny Lasia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Spiny Lasia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pothos heterophyllus
• Pothos lasia
• Lasia zollingeri
• Dracontium spinosum
• Lasia jenkinsii
• Lasia roxburghii
• Lasia crassifolia
• Lasia crassifolia f. angustisecta
• Lasia crassifolia f. latisecta
• Lasia desciscens
• Lasia hermanni
• Lasia heterophylla
• Lasia aculeata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Alismatales, falling into the family Araceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lasia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several key regions of East Asia. Within mainland China, it is widely distributed throughout the South-Central and Southeast areas. Its presence also extends to the tropical island of Hainan and the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Furthermore, the species can be found growing in the island territory of Taiwan. Overall, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various Chinese and Eastern Asian environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lasia spinosa is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is found within a narrow elevational range. Specifically, this species thrives at an elevation of exactly 300 m AMSL, with its minimum and maximum elevational limits both meeting at this precise point. This suggests that the plant occupies a specialized ecological zone, likely tied to specific lowland or riparian conditions found at this particular height above mean sea level.

Elevational range max:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lasia spinosa is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a geophyte, it relies on underground storage organs to survive unfavorable conditions and facilitate regrowth. The plant maintains an evergreen habit, retaining its foliage throughout the year to support continuous physiological processes.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

geophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lasia spinosa is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that typically reaches a plant height of approximately 1.5 m. It functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber and grows as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. In terms of its ecological habitat and growth habit, the species is classified as terrestrial, meaning it does not exhibit epiphytic qualities or aquatic lifestyles.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lasia spinosa is characterized by its robust growth patterns and specialized adaptive mechanisms suited for its typically riparian and wetland habitats. As a perennial herb, it exhibits efficient photosynthetic processes to support its large, peltate leaves, which are structurally reinforced with spines to deter herbivory. Its metabolic activities are closely tied to the availability of moisture and soil nutrients found in its native ecosystems. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium or Frankia, necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen uptake is entirely dependent on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium present in the surrounding soil through its extensive root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lasia spinosa has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, fruit.

Leaf

1. In silico pharmacology
2. Parasitology research

Fruit

1. In silico pharmacology

Chemicals

Lasia spinosa has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Alkanes, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Carotenoids, Fatty acids, Flavonoids.

Alkanes

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Carotenoids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Fatty acids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Flavonoids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Lignans

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Steroids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Terpenoids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Ursolic acid

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Volatile oil

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Activities

Lasia spinosa has 10 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial.

Antimicrobial

1. In silico pharmacology
2. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antioxidant

1. In silico pharmacology
2. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Cytotoxic

1. In silico pharmacology
2. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Anthelmintic

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Antibacterial

1. In silico pharmacology

Antidiabetic

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antifungal

1. In silico pharmacology

Antihelminthic

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antihyperlipidemic

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antinociceptive

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Medicinal Uses

Lasia spinosa has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Trichinella spiralis, cardiotoxicity, hemorrhoids, intestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations