Macaranga indica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Trevia hernandiifolia
• Tanarius indicus
• Macaranga adenantha

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Macaranga.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across parts of Asia, stretching from the Indian subcontinent to East Asia. Within the Indian subcontinent, it can be found growing in the regions of Assam and Bangladesh. Its presence extends into China, where it is documented in the South-Central and Southeast areas. Additionally, the species is found in the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where Macaranga indica thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Macaranga indica is closely defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. The species is primarily found in mid-to-high altitude tropical environments, with its elevational range spanning from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum of 2100 m AMSL. On average, the plant thrives at a mean elevation of 1525 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for the cooler, more humid conditions characteristic of these middle-tier montane zones. This specialized elevational positioning dictates its interaction with local microclimates, soil moisture levels, and the surrounding forest canopy structure.

Elevational range max:

2100 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1525 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Macaranga indica is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located well above the ground on aerial shoots. Specifically, within the various ecological growth strategies, it can be identified as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains woody structures above the soil surface, its stature typically remains relatively small compared to large forest trees. This growth habit allows the species to establish itself in forest clearings and disturbed habitats, where it utilizes its perennial nature to persist through seasonal changes by protecting its reproductive and vegetative buds on elevated branches.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Macaranga indica is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, as it maintains a strictly terrestrial existence. This species exhibits significant variation in its stature, with plant heights ranging from a minimum of 10 m to a maximum of 25 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 17.5 m. In terms of its structural habit, the plant can exhibit characteristics of a self-supporting liana or vine, though it primarily develops as a robust, woody structure.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

17.5 m

Plant height min:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Macaranga indica is characterized by distinct morphological parameters and structural density that support its growth patterns. The foliage exhibits significant variability in size, with leaf lengths typically averaging 15.5 cm, though they can range from a minimum of 14 cm to a maximum of 17 cm. Similarly, the leaf width demonstrates a consistent breadth, maintaining a mean of 14 cm, with observed values spanning from a minimum of 13 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. In addition to its leaf dimensions, the plant's structural integrity is reflected in its stem specific density (SSD), which maintains a mean value of 373 mg/cm³.

Leaf length max:

17 cm

Leaf length mean:

15.5 cm

Leaf length min:

14 cm

Leaf width max:

15 cm

Leaf width mean:

14 cm

Leaf width min:

13 cm

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

373 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Macaranga indica is characterized by specific morphological traits of its reproductive structures, particularly regarding the development and dimensions of its seeds and fruits. The plant produces seeds with a highly consistent volume, where both the minimum and maximum recorded measurements, as well as the calculated mean seed volume, are precisely 6.3 mm³. The fruit characteristics exhibit a distinct physical state, described as being dry, though they can also present a fleshy texture depending on the stage of maturation or specific environmental conditions. These reproductive parameters, defined by a steady seed volume of 6.3 mm³ and a transition between dry and fleshy fruit states, play a critical role in the plant's dispersal and life cycle.

Fruit dryness :

dry

Seed volume max:

6.3 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macaranga indica 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. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Macaranga indica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cleomiscosin A, Cleomiscosin B, Daucosterol, Ellagic acid-4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, Vanillic acid.

Cleomiscosin A

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

Cleomiscosin B

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

Daucosterol

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

Ellagic acid-4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside

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

Vanillic acid

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

Preparations

Macaranga indica has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include isolicoflavonol.

Isolicoflavonol

1. International immunopharmacology