Lasianthus chinensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several regions across East and Southeast Asia. Within China, its presence is recorded in the southeastern parts of the country as well as on the island of Hainan. The distribution extends further into Eastern Asia, specifically documented in Taiwan. Moving into the Indo-China peninsula, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Cambodia. Finally, its range includes the mountainous and forested areas of Laos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Lasianthus chinensis is characterized by its perennial growth habit and specific architectural strategies within its ecological niche. This species functions primarily as a phanerophyte, maintaining its visible photosynthetic organs well above the ground level to optimize light interception in its native habitat. Depending on the environmental conditions and the specific microhabitat it occupies, its growth form can also be classified under the nanophanerophyte category, representing an intermediate stature between low-growing shrubs and larger woody plants. This life strategy allows the plant to persist through varying seasonal shifts, utilizing its woody structure to sustain long-term survival and reproductive cycles.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lasianthus chinensis is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub or small tree. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is primarily a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. Regarding its structural support, the plant is self-supporting, exhibiting neither obligatory nor facultative climbing habits such as a liana or vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lasianthus chinensis is characterized by a specific dispersal strategy and distinct seed morphology. The plant exhibits a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, indicating that its reproductive success relies on animal vectors for the movement of its seeds. The resulting fruits are classified as fleshy, a characteristic that typically facilitates this animal-mediated dispersal. In terms of seed dimensions, the species produces seeds with a highly consistent volume, measured at a mean of 6.4 mm³, with both the minimum and maximum recorded volumes also reaching 6.4 mm³.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

6.4 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lasianthus chinensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Lasianthus chinensis has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke