Meistera aculeata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cardamomum ciliatum
• Cardamomum aculeatum
• Mantisia aculeata
• Amomum flavum
• Amomum hatuanum
• Amomum aculeatum
• Amomum aculeatum var. gymnocarpum
• Amomum aculeatum var. macrocarpum
• Amomum aurantiacum
• Amomum ciliatum
• Meistera aculeata var. macrocarpa
• Meistera aculeata var. gymnocarpa

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 is situated in the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Meistera, specifically as the species Meistera aculeaata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several regions of Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, it can be found inhabiting the Andaman Islands. Its presence is also well-documented throughout mainland territories, specifically in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the Malesia region. One notable location within this area where the plant is found is Jawa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Meistera acualeaata is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural development and survival strategies, the plant is classified as a cryptophyte, meaning its vital growing points are protected below the soil surface during unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, it exhibits the specific life form of a geophyte, utilizing underground storage organs to endure environmental fluctuations and facilitate regrowth.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Meistera aculeaata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that functions as a self-supporting climber. This plant typically exhibits a terrestrial life habit, growing independently without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of vertical dimensions, it reaches a mean plant height of approximately 3 meters, with a maximum height potential of up to 4 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Meistera acualeaata is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes and resource acquisition strategies adapted to its specific ecological niche. A key aspect of its nutritional physiology is its interaction with soil nutrients; specifically, regarding its ability to facilitate atmospheric gas exchange for nutrient enrichment, it is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Instead, the plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. Its photosynthetic machinery is optimized to convert light energy into chemical energy, driving the carbon fixation processes that fuel its growth and the production of various secondary metabolites. These metabolic pathways are tightly regulated by environmental stimuli, influencing the plant's transpiration rates, osmotic potential, and the overall efficiency of its nutrient assimilation processes.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Meistera aculeata 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, rhizome.

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Rhizome

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Meistera aculeata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aculeatin A.

Aculeatin A

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Meistera aculeata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antibacterial.

Cytotoxic

1. Phytochemistry
2. Journal of natural products

Antibacterial

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Meistera aculeata has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hexanes- and CHCl 3-soluble extracts, rhizomes.

Hexanes- and chcl 3-soluble extracts

1. Journal of natural products

Rhizomes

1. Phytochemistry