Litsea martabanica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Malapoenna martabanica
• Tetranthera martabanica
• Litsea garrettii

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 positioned in the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification falls under the genus Litsea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within East and Southeast Asia. In China, its presence is noted specifically throughout the South-Central regions. The species is also widely distributed across the Indo-China peninsula. Within this area, it can be found growing in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Finally, its distribution extends into the tropical landscapes of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Litsea martabanica is defined by its ability to inhabit diverse montane and sub-montane environments, spanning a significant vertical gradient within its native habitats. This species thrives across an elevational range that begins at approximately 520 m AMSL and extends to a maximum altitude of 2200 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal distribution suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying climatic conditions, ranging from the warmer, more humid conditions of lower elevations to the cooler, more temperate environments found at higher reaches of the mountain slopes. Such a wide ecological niche allows the plant to occupy various successional stages and microclimates within its forest ecosystems, playing a role in the structural complexity of the landscapes it inhabits.

Elevational range max:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

520 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Litsea martabanica is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. It functions as a self-supporting climber, exhibiting a versatile growth pattern that encompasses characteristics of a liana and a vine. This climbing mechanism is primarily self-supporting in nature, categorized as a facultative habit rather than being strictly obligatory. Furthermore, the plant possesses a robust, woody structure, establishing a firm and perennial physical framework as it ascends.

Climber :

self-supporting

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Litsea martabanica 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 root, leaf.

Root

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Leaf

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Litsea martabanica has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Hepatoprotective

1. Toxics

Conditions

Litsea martabanica has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include insect.

Insect

1. Toxics

Preparations

Litsea martabanica has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include root extract.

Root extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)