Lithocarpus dealbatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pasania dealbata
• Synaedrys dealbata
• Quercus fenestrata var. dealbata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Fagales and the family Fagaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Lithocarpus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across parts of East and South Asia. In China, its presence is primarily noted within the South-Central regions. The species is also well-established across the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be found in Assam and throughout the East Himalaya. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the neighboring territory of Bangladesh. Finally, the distribution reaches into the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lithocarpus dealbatus is closely defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native montane habitats. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, typically occupying mid-to-high altitude forest ecosystems. Its presence is most consistent at a mean elevation of approximately 1100 m AMSL, though it demonstrates significant ecological plasticity across a vertical gradient. The species is found at lower limits starting from 1000 m AMSL and can extend its habitat upwards to a maximum elevation of 1700 m AMSL. This altitudinal positioning suggests that the plant is adapted to the specific temperature regimes, moisture levels, and atmospheric conditions characteristic of these mid-elevation montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lithocarpus dealbatus is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence within the ecosystem over many successive growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its buds well above the ground level, typically manifesting as a substantial woody tree that can dominate forest structures. Its physiological nature is defined by being evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding period. This combination of a long-lived perennial lifecycle and a phanerophyte life form allows the species to establish a permanent and stable presence in its native habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lithocarpus dealbatus is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching an average height of approximately 20 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing behavior such as a liana or vine, nor does it function as an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat and does not possess aquatic or semiaquatic characteristics.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lithocarpus dealbatus is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, typical of many temperate and subtropical woody species. Its leaf morphology features an elliptic shape with crenulate margins, and the foliage is notably devoid of both thorns and spines. Regarding its leaf economics, the plant exhibits a consistent Specific Leaf Area (SLA) with a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 115.9462297 cm²/g, indicating a specific strategy for light interception and resource allocation. The structural integrity of the plant is supported by a stem specific density (SSD) of 1007 mg/cm³, reflecting a dense and robust woody composition. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on established soil nutrient cycles for its nitrogen requirements.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf margin :

crenulate

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

115.9462297 cm²/g

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

1007 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lithocarpus dealbatus is primarily driven by abiotic mechanisms, specifically characterized by a pollination syndrome that relies on environmental forces rather than biological vectors. The process is predominantly anemophilous, meaning it utilizes wind as the primary medium for pollen transfer. This wind-driven strategy is consistent across its reproductive stages, facilitating the movement of pollen through the air to achieve fertilization. Unlike plants that depend on biotic agents such as bees, beetles, or birds, this species utilizes abiotic pollination to ensure genetic dispersal, making wind the central factor in its reproductive success.

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lithocarpus dealbatus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cirsimaritin.

Cirsimaritin

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics
2. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)