Melodinus fusiformis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving into the Indo-China peninsula, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Cambodia. It also maintains a notable population within the borders of Laos. Furthermore, the plant's range extends into the tropical regions of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Melodinus fusiformis is characterized by its distribution across a significant altitudinal gradient, reflecting an adaptability to varying mountain environments. This species thrives within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. Throughout its natural habitat, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1200 m AMSL, positioning it primarily within mid-altitude ecological zones. This vertical spread suggests that the plant is capable of navigating diverse microclimates, from the warmer, lower-lying foothills to the cooler, more temperate high-altitude terrains.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Melodinus fusiformis 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 growth strategy, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on aerial shoots. This growth habit ensures its survival through unfavorable environmental conditions by protecting its vital regenerative structures on its elevated stem systems.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Meloideus fusiformis is characterized by a woody structure with a growth form classified as a shrub. This plant functions as an obligatory climber, often reaching a substantial plant height with a mean measurement of approximately 8 m. It exists as an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and maintains a terrestrial life habit rather than being epiphytic.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Melodinus fusiformis is characterized by significant morphological variability in its foliar structures, which play a critical role in its metabolic processes and photosynthetic capacity. The leaf dimensions exhibit a broad range, with leaf lengths varying from a minimum of 4.5 cm to a substantial maximum of 21 cm, maintaining an average length of 11 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a diverse width profile, where leaf widths range from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 6.8 cm, resulting in a mean width of 3.825 cm. Such fluctuations in leaf surface area suggest an adaptive physiological mechanism to optimize light interception and gas exchange under varying environmental conditions, directly influencing the plant's overall transpiration rates and nutrient assimilation efficiency.

Leaf length max:

21 cm

Leaf length mean:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

4.5 cm

Leaf width max:

6.8 cm

Leaf width mean:

3.825 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Melodinus fusiformis is characterized by a distinct flowering and fruiting cycle involving specific morphological dimensions. The plant produces inflorescences that are relatively compact, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.01 m to a maximum of 0.05 m. Following successful pollination, the development of the fruit occurs, displaying significant variability in size. The resulting fruits measure a minimum of 3.5 cm in length, reaching a mean length of 7.58 cm, with the largest specimens extending up to a maximum of 10.5 cm.

Fruit length max:

10.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

7.58 cm

Fruit length min:

3.5 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.05 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.01 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Melodinus fusiformis 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