Lithocarpus pachylepis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Quercus wangii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Fagaceae. Specifically, it is identified by its genus, Lithocarpus, and its species name, pachylepis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within East and Southeast Asia. In China, it can be found spanning across the South-Central regions. It is also widely distributed throughout the Southeast portions of China. Beyond Chinese borders, the species extends into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, its range includes the territory of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lithocarpus pachylepis is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species is primarily found at mid-to-high elevations, maintaining a mean elevation of approximately 1350 m AMSL. Its habitat spans a significant gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 900 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1800 m AMSL. This elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the specific temperature regimes, moisture availability, and atmospheric conditions characteristic of these subtropical or tropical montane forest zones.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lithocarpus pachylepis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. As a perennial woody species, it maintains a consistent presence within its ecosystem through an evergreen deciduousness pattern, ensuring that its foliage remains functional throughout the year rather than shedding seasonally. This combination of a phanerophyte life form and an evergreen habit allows the plant to maintain continuous photosynthetic activity and structural stability across varying environmental conditions.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lithocarpus pachylepis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte, as it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle. While some members of similar botanical categories may exhibit climbing tendencies, this species is categorized as a self-supporting plant, maintaining its structural integrity without the need for external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lithocarpus pachylepis is characterized by the development of specialized fruit structures that vary in dimension. The resulting fruits exhibit a specific range of sizes, with lengths typically measuring a minimum of 1.5 cm, reaching a mean of 2 cm, and extending to a maximum of 2.5 cm. In terms of width, the fruit dimensions are notably broader, ranging from a minimum of 4 cm to a mean width of 5.25 cm, with the largest specimens reaching a maximum width of 6.5 cm.

Fruit length max:

2.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

2 cm

Fruit length min:

1.5 cm

Fruit width max:

6.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

5.25 cm

Fruit width min:

4 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lithocarpus pachylepis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Lithocarpus pachylepis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Balanophonin C, Balanophonin D, Balanophonin E.

Balanophonin C

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Balanophonin D

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Balanophonin E

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)