Japanese Maesa

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Japanese Maesa

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Maesa coriacea var. gracilis
• Doraena japonica
• Maesa japonica f. gracilis
• Maesa labordei
• Myrsine esquirolii
• Maesa cavaleriei
• Maesa taiheizanensis
• Maesa randaiensis
• Maesa dunniana
• Maesa doraena
• Maesa esquirolii
• Baeobotrys japonica
• Pieris oligodonta

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Primulaceae and is placed in the genus Maesa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions in Eastern Asia. Within China, it can be found specifically in the South-Central and Southeast areas. Its range extends further into the East Asian territories of Japan and Korea. Additionally, the species is documented in the Nansei-shotō islands. These locations collectively define the natural geographical footprint of Maeisa japonica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Maesa japonica is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within montane ecosystems. This species thrives across a broad vertical gradient, occupying habitats that begin at lower montane zones as low as 300 m AMSL. As the terrain rises, the plant persists through various ecological niches, reaching a mean elevation of approximately 1150 m AMSL. Its environmental tolerance allows it to extend into much higher, cooler mountainous regions, reaching a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests an ability to adapt to varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures characteristic of mid-to-high altitude forest environments.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1150 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Maeisa japonica is characterized by its classification as a perennial, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it undergoes a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, often establishing a robust root system that allows it to survive seasonal changes and re-emerge year after year. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, facilitating more substantial flowering and seed production in subsequent seasons compared to annual or biennial species. Throughout its lifespan, the plant maintains its physiological functions across varying environmental conditions, ensuring its long-term presence within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Maesa japonica is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a mean height of 2 m, with its vertical growth ranging from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum height of 3 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Maesa japonica is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in varying environmental conditions. Morphologically, the plant's vegetative structures are defined by specific leaf dimensions, maintaining an average leaf length of 10 cm and an average leaf width of 3 cm. These physical parameters, combined with its C3 metabolic framework, influence the plant's transpiration rates, gas exchange capacities, and overall energy assimilation strategies.

Leaf length mean:

10 cm

Leaf width mean:

3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Maesa japonica is characterized by specific floral and seed dimensions that facilitate its life cycle. The plant produces inflorescences that are relatively small, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.01 m to a maximum of 0.03 m. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical properties; the seed mass is uniform, with both the minimum and maximum values, as well as the mean mass, recorded at 2e-04 g. Regarding the movement of its progeny, the species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport its seeds to new locations for colonization.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Inflorescence length max:

0.03 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.01 m

Seed mass mean:

2e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Maesa japonica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Maejaposide A.

Maejaposide A

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Preparations

Maesa japonica has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract.

Methanol extract

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry