Leucas chinensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Blandina chinensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Leucas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across various regions of East Asia. In China, it can be found growing in Hainan and throughout China Southeast. Its presence extends into Japan, where it is native to several distinct areas. Specifically, it is located within the Nansei-shoto islands of Eastern Asia. Additionally, the species is documented in the Ogasawara-shoto islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Leucas chinensis is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located close to the soil surface, often just above or at ground level, allowing the plant to persist through unfavorable seasonal conditions. This growth habit enables it to navigate diverse environmental stressors, frequently occupying disturbed habitats or open landscapes. As a perennial species, its life cycle involves a continuous struggle for space and resources, utilizing its low-lying structural strategy to protect its regenerative tissues from herbivory or temperature fluctuations. The plant undergoes seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, where it produces inflorescences that facilitate genetic dispersal. By maintaining its vital buds near the substrate, it ensures survival during periods of dormancy, ready to resume rapid development when moisture and light conditions become optimal for its life cycle.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Leucaena chinensis is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than growing as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant behaves as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its morphology to navigate its environment without relying on a host for nutrients.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Leucas chinensis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chryseriol, Flavonoids, OLEANOLIC ACID, apigenin, betulinic acid.

Chryseriol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

apigenin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

betulinic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

luteolin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

triterpene

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Leucas chinensis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Leucas chinensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology