Macaranga sampsonii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Macaranga hemsleyana
• Mallotus populifolius
• Macaranga balansae

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Macaranga sampsonii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Macaranga.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across parts of East and Southeast Asia. Within the borders of China, it can be found inhabiting the South-Central regions. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the Southeast portion of China. Its range extends further into the Indo-China peninsula as well. Specifically, the plant is documented to grow within the country of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Macaranga sampsonii is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat. This species thrives within a defined elevational range, typically occurring at altitudes starting from a minimum of 200 m AMSL. The species reaches its maximum ecological limit at an elevation of 500 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 350 m AMSL characterizing its most frequent occurrence. This specific vertical distribution suggests that the plant is adapted to the particular temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions found within these low-to-mid altitude zones.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Macaranga sampsonii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within this category, it specifically functions as a phanerophyte, utilizing its elevated structural architecture to navigate its ecological niche. This life strategy allows the plant to maintain its vital reproductive and vegetative buds well above the soil surface, protecting them from seasonal environmental fluctuations and herbivory. By adhering to this phanerophyte life form, the species ensures long-term survival through perennial woody structures, establishing a stable presence within its habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Macaranga sampsonii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. As a self-supporting species, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it maintains an independent existence rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. It is a terrestrial plant, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant variation in height, with individuals typically ranging from a minimum of 2 m to a maximum of 7 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 4.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Macaranga sampsonii is characterized by specific morphological and metabolic parameters that define its growth and structural integrity. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a fundamental metabolic process that dictates its carbon fixation strategy and environmental adaptation. Its leaf morphology exhibits significant variability, with a mean leaf length of 14.5 cm and a minimum length of 12 cm, reaching a maximum of 17 cm. The leaf width also shows a broad range, characterized by a mean width of 13 cm, a minimum of 11 cm, and a maximum of 15 cm. Structurally, the plant maintains its upright form through its stem tissue, which possesses a mean stem specific density (SSD) of 373 mg/cm³, providing the necessary mechanical support and resource transport efficiency for its physiological functions.

Leaf length max:

17 cm

Leaf length mean:

14.5 cm

Leaf length min:

12 cm

Leaf width max:

15 cm

Leaf width mean:

13 cm

Leaf width min:

11 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

373 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Macaranga sampsonii is characterized by the production of specialized fruit structures that exhibit highly consistent morphological dimensions. The fruits of this species maintain a uniform size profile, with a mean length of 0.5 cm, which also represents both the minimum and maximum recorded fruit length. In terms of lateral dimensions, the fruit width is equally consistent, maintaining a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.8 cm. This lack of variance in fruit measurements indicates a highly stable reproductive output, where each fruit typically measures 0.5 cm in length and 0.8 cm in width.

Fruit length max:

0.5 cm

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macaranga sampsonii 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. Chinese herbal medicines

Chemicals

Macaranga sampsonii has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-3-pyridinecarbonitrile, 4-Methoxynicotinonitrile, Astilbin, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Canophyllol.

1,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-3-pyridinecarbonitrile

1. Chinese herbal medicines

4-Methoxynicotinonitrile

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Astilbin

1. Chinese herbal medicines

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Canophyllol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Isoastilbin

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Koaburside

1. Chinese herbal medicines

LOLIOLIDE

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Methyl 4-Methoxynicotinate

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Neoastilbin

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Preparations

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

Leaves

1. Chinese herbal medicines