Lycianthes biflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Lycianthes biflora, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Solanales. Finally, it is a member of the family Solanaceae and the genus Lycianthes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several specific regions within East Asia. In China, its distribution spans from the South-Central provinces to the southeastern coastal areas. Additionally, it can be found growing on the tropical island of Hainan. Moving further east, the species is also documented throughout the country of Japan. Finally, its range extends into the subtropical Nansei-shoto islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lycianthes biflora is defined by its specialized adaptation to montane environments, where it occupies a specific altitudinal niche within mountainous ecosystems. This species is primarily found within a distinct elevational range, thriving at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1200 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2300 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests that the plant is well-adapted to the specific temperature gradients, atmospheric pressures, and moisture regimes characteristic of mid-to-high elevation zones. By inhabiting these specific elevations, Lycianthes biflora occupies a stable ecological belt that likely influences its competitive interactions with neighboring flora and its availability of light and soil nutrients.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Lycianthes biflora is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a structure that lacks significant lignification. It is a self-supporting plant, categorized as neither an obligatory nor a facultative climber, as it maintains its own structural integrity without the need for external support like lianas or vines. The species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning, functioning as an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior toward other plants, nor does it grow as an epiphyte. Its habitat preference is strictly land-based, as it lacks the specialized adaptations required for aquatic or semiaquatic environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lycianthes biflora has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bifloride A, Liquiritigenin, N-trans-Cinnamoyltyramine, N-trans-p-Coumaroyloctopamine.

Bifloride A

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Liquiritigenin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

N-trans-Cinnamoyltyramine

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

N-trans-p-Coumaroyloctopamine

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica