Macaranga kurzii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, it can be found specifically throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its range extends into the Indo-China peninsula, where it is present in Laos. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Myanmar. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the country of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Macaranga kurzii is characterized by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitats. This species is primarily found at low to mid-range elevations, occupying a niche that typically begins at a minimum altitude of 300 m AMSL. Its presence is most concentrated around a mean elevation of 450 m AMSL, though its ecological range extends upward to a maximum of 600 m AMSL. This relatively narrow elevational band suggests that the plant is adapted to the specific temperature, moisture, and atmospheric conditions found within these particular altitudinal zones.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Macaranga kurzii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on aerial stems. Within this classification, its ecological strategy can be more specifically identified as a phanerophyte, indicating its ability to persist through unfavorable seasons by protecting its vital meristematic tissues in elevated woody structures. This life form allows the plant to establish a stable, perennial presence within its habitat, utilizing its elevated buds to withstand environmental stressors such as herbivory or seasonal fluctuations. By maintaining its regenerative capacity in the canopy or upper shrub layers, Macaranga kurzii ensures long-term survival and the ability to re-sprout or expand its vegetative footprint throughout its life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Macaranga kurzii is characterized by a woody growth habit, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently and does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches an average height of 2.5 m, though individual specimens can vary significantly in size, ranging from a minimum height of 1 m to a maximum height of 4 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height mean:

2.5 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of Macaranga kurzii is closely tied to its vegetative morphology, specifically characterized by its leaf dimensions which dictate its photosynthetic capacity and transpiration rates. The foliage exhibits significant variation in size, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 8 cm to a maximum of 14 cm, maintaining an average length of approximately 11 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 5 cm and a maximum of 8 cm. These specific morphometric parameters suggest a structural adaptation for optimizing light interception within its ecological niche, where the interplay between leaf surface area and width facilitates efficient gas exchange and metabolic regulation.

Leaf length max:

14 cm

Leaf length mean:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

8 cm

Leaf width max:

8 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Reproduction

Reproduction in Macaranga kurzii is characterized by the development of specific fruit structures that facilitate its dispersal and lifecycle. The fruits produced by this species exhibit a highly consistent morphology, with measurements showing no variance across the observed samples. The fruit length is uniform, maintaining a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.6 cm. Similarly, the fruit width is consistently measured at 1.2 cm, representing the mean, minimum, and maximum dimensions. This precise structural uniformity in fruit size, characterized by a width that is exactly double its length, serves as a key morphological trait during the plant's reproductive phase.

Fruit length max:

0.6 cm

Fruit width max:

1.2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macaranga kurzii 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Phytochemistry

Stem

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Macaranga kurzii has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate extract of dried stems and leaves.

Ethyl acetate extract of dried stems and leaves

1. Phytochemistry