Litsea viridis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within parts of Asia. In China, its presence is noted within the South-Central region. The distribution extends into the Indo-China peninsula as well. Specifically, it can be found growing in the country of Laos. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the landscapes of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Litsea viridis is closely defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat. This species thrives across a distinct elevational gradient, typically establishing itself in mid-altitude environments. Its presence is recorded starting from a minimum elevation of 400 m AMSL, reaching its peak distribution at a maximum elevation of 1020 m AMSL. On average, the plant is most commonly found at a mean elevation of 710 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the specific climatic and soil conditions characteristic of these middle-altitude zones.

Elevational range max:

1020 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

710 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Litsea viridis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its natural habitat. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains a consistent foliage profile due to its evergreen status, ensuring that its leaves remain functional and present year-round rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding period.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Litsea viridis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. This species exhibits significant variation in stature, with plant heights ranging from a minimum of 3 m to a maximum of 6 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 4.5 m. Despite its tree-like classification, the plant's structural habit is described as self-supporting.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Plant height min:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Litsea viridis are closely reflected in its foliar morphology, which serves as a primary site for metabolic processes and gas exchange. The leaves exhibit a distinct range of dimensions that contribute to the plant's total photosynthetic surface area. Specifically, the leaf length varies from a minimum of 8 cm to a maximum of 13 cm, with a recorded mean length of 10.5 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width shows significant variability, ranging from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 4.5 cm, resulting in a mean width of 3.5 cm. These morphometric parameters indicate a dynamic leaf structure that facilitates efficient light interception and transpiration within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

13 cm

Leaf length mean:

10.5 cm

Leaf length min:

8 cm

Leaf width max:

4.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

3.5 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Litsea viridis is characterized by the development of distinct fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. Morphological analysis of the fruit reveals a highly consistent structure, with measurements showing no variation across the observed samples. The fruit maintains a uniform mean length of 1.5 cm, a value that also represents both its minimum and maximum length. Similarly, the fruit width is remarkably stable, exhibiting a mean, minimum, and maximum width of 0.8 cm. This morphological uniformity in fruit dimensions suggests a standardized reproductive output, providing a consistent physical profile for the dispersal agents involved in the plant's life cycle.

Fruit length max:

1.5 cm

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Litsea viridis 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Litsea viridis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf essential oils.

Leaf essential oils

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)