Litsea pedunculata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Benzoin pedunculatum
• Lindera pedunculata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Laurales, it is positioned in the family Lauraceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Litsea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found in specific regions within the country of China. Its presence is documented across the South-Central part of the nation. Additionally, it can be located within the Southeast territories of China. These distinct areas represent its known geographical range. Therefore, its distribution is concentrated in these particular Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Litsea pedunculata is characterized by its specific distribution within montane environments, where it occupies distinct altitudinal niches. This species thrives within a well-defined elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1320 m AMSL. The species reaches its highest recorded limits at an elevation of 2300 m AMSL, suggesting an adaptation to the cooler, moisture-rich conditions prevalent in higher montane zones. On average, the plant is most commonly situated at a mean elevation of 1810 m AMSL, indicating that its optimal ecological niche is centered within the mid-to-high montane belt.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1810 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1320 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Litsea pedunculata is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. Throughout its lifespan, the plant maintains a consistent foliage profile as an evergreen, ensuring that its leaves remain functional and present year-round without the seasonal shedding associated with deciduous varieties.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Litsea pedunculata is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. The plant exhibits a woody structure and can reach a substantial plant height with a mean measurement of approximately 6 m. In terms of its climbing habit, it is classified as self-supporting, maintaining its structural integrity without the need for external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Litsea pedunculata are closely tied to its foliar morphology, which dictates its photosynthetic capacity and resource acquisition strategies. The leaf dimensions exhibit significant variability, reflecting adaptive responses to environmental light and moisture availability. The plant's leaves typically maintain a mean length of 5.25 cm, with a developmental range spanning from a minimum of 3.5 cm to a maximum of 7 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 3 cm, resulting in a mean width of 2.25 cm. These morphological parameters suggest a specific surface-area-to-volume ratio that optimizes gas exchange and transpiration rates, essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

7 cm

Leaf length mean:

5.25 cm

Leaf length min:

3.5 cm

Leaf width max:

3 cm

Leaf width mean:

2.25 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Litsea pedunculata is characterized by the production of small, specialized fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length within a population varies, with a minimum measurement of 0.6 cm, a mean of 0.65 cm, and reaching a maximum of 0.7 cm. Correspondingly, the fruit width shows a narrow range of variation, starting from a minimum of 0.4 cm, maintaining a mean width of 0.425 cm, and extending to a maximum width of 0.45 cm. These consistent dimensions in fruit size are critical indicators of the plant's reproductive output and seed dispersal potential.

Fruit length max:

0.7 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.65 cm

Fruit length min:

0.6 cm

Fruit width max:

0.45 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.425 cm

Fruit width min:

0.4 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Litsea pedunculata has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Stem

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Chemicals

Litsea pedunculata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Preparations

Litsea pedunculata has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem barks.

Stem barks

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters