Lonicera nigra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Xylosteon nigrum
• Chamaecerasus nigra
• Euchylia nigra
• Lonicera nigra f. purpurea
• Lonicera nigra f. angustifolia
• Lonicera nigra f. microphylla
• Lonicera campanifolia
• Lonicera carpatica
• Lonicera carpatica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified in the order Dipsacales and the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Lonicera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Lonicera nigra, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in Middle Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Austria. Additionally, the species is present throughout the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Its range extends further into Germany, where it inhabits various local ecosystems. Finally, the plant is also documented as occurring within Hungary and Poland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lonicera nigra is primarily defined by its preference for cool, shaded environments found within forest ecosystems and mountainous regions. It thrives in the understory of deciduous and mixed forests, where it benefits from the moisture-retentive soil and dappled sunlight characteristic of these woodland habitats. In mountainous terrains, the species is well-adapted to the varying elevations and temperate climates, often colonizing edges and thickets where it can access sufficient nutrients and humidity. This preference for forest interiors and montane slopes suggests a reliance on stable microclimates and specific soil compositions typical of these sheltered, high-moisture landscapes.

Habitat :

forest, mountains

Life history

The life history of Lonicera nigra is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its persistence through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated above the soil surface, typically manifesting as a woody shrub. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage annually in response to seasonal changes. Its structural development follows the phanerophyte life form, allowing it to establish a robust presence within its ecological niche through sustained woody growth.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lonicera nigra is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. This plant is terrestrial in its habitat and functions as an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its stature, it is a self-supporting species rather than a climbing vine or liana. The plant typically reaches an average height of approximately 1 meter, though its vertical growth can vary between a minimum of 0.5 meters and a maximum of 1.5 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lonicera nigra is characterized by a standard metabolic framework typical of many temperate woody shrubs, most notably through its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway. In this process, the plant captures atmospheric carbon dioxide through stomata, which is then fixed into a three-carbon molecule, 3-phosphoglycerate, during the initial stage of the Calvin cycle. This C3 pathway is highly efficient in the cool, moist environments where the species typically thrives, allowing for optimal carbon assimilation during the spring and summer growing seasons. The physiological regulation of gas exchange and water use efficiency in Lonicera nigra is closely tied to its transpiration rates and stomatal conductance, which fluctuate in response to environmental stressors such as light intensity and soil moisture availability. Furthermore, its metabolic processes include the synthesis of various secondary metabolites, which play a crucial role in the plant's physiological defense mechanisms against herbivory and pathogens.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lonicera nigra is characterized by a specific seasonal cycle and specialized biological interactions. The flowering period is concentrated in the month of June, marking both the start and the end of its anthesis. During this time, the plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The reproductive process is dependent on these external agents, as self-fertilization is notably absent. Following successful fertilization, the plant employs a zoochorous dispersal syndrome to spread its seeds. More specifically, the dispersal mechanism is endozoochorous, meaning the seeds are ingested by animals and subsequently dispersed through their digestive tracts, ensuring the colonization of new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lonicera nigra 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 flower, fruit.

Flower

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Fruit

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Chemicals

Lonicera nigra has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Cyanidin 3-glucoside, Flavonoid, Flavonoids.

Anthocyanins

1. Journal of advanced research

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Cyanidin 3-glucoside

1. Journal of advanced research

Flavonoid

1. Biology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Iridoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Loganic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Malondialdehyde

1. Biology

RUTIN

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

caffeic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Lonicera nigra has 5 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Vasoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Nutrients

Hepatoprotective

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypoglycemic

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypolipidemic

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Vasoprotective

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Lonicera nigra has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include honeyberry extract.

Honeyberry extract

1. Nutrients