Luculia pinceana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Luculia pinceana var. pubescens
• Luculia intermedia
• Luculia intermedia var. pubescens
• Luculia grandifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rubiaceae, falling under the genus Luculia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several key regions across Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as in the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically inhabiting the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is recorded growing throughout the East Himalaya region. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse mountain and subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Luculia pinceana is defined by its preference for specific montane environments, where it thrives within a distinct vertical distribution. This species is typically found inhabiting mid-to-high altitude regions, occupying an elevational range that begins at 1200 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2500 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal band, the plant adapts to the specific microclimates and environmental variables characteristic of these mountainous zones, playing a role in the specialized biological communities of its native habitat.

Elevational range max:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Luculia pinceana is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, indicating that its perennating buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the ground level. Within the broader spectrum of growth habits, it functions primarily as a phanerophyte, maintaining a woody structure that allows it to persist through seasonal changes by protecting its buds on elevated branches. It does not exhibit the characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, chamaephyte, hemicryptophyte, geophyte, hydrophyte, helophyte, therophyte, or lithophyte, as its biological strategy relies on the development of significant above-ground woody biomass rather than surviving via underground organs or low-lying stems.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Luculia pinceana is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its structural integrity to ascend without requiring external hosts for primary stability. As a non-parasitic organism, the plant is entirely independent, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on other living entities. Furthermore, it is strictly terrestrial in its ecological niche, establishing its root systems within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte. In terms of its physical consistency, the plant exhibits a woody texture, possessing the durable, lignified tissues characteristic of woody vegetation.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Luculia pinceana 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 stem.

Stem

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Luculia pinceana has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Loganin, Loganoside, PAEONOL, Vogeloside, cyclosativene.

Loganin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Loganoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

PAEONOL

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Vogeloside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

cyclosativene

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

epi-Vogeloside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Preparations

Luculia pinceana has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extract from the stem of Luculia pinceana.

Ethanolic extract from the stem of luculia pinceana

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica