Meyna spinosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pyrostria spinosa
• Vangueria spinosa
• Vangueria pyrostria
• Vangueria stellata
• Meyna spinosa var. pubescens
• Vangueria miqueliana
• Vangueria spinosa var. mollis
• Vangueria spinosa var. tomentosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is further nested within the family Rubiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Meyna, with its species name being Meyna spinosa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this region, its presence is noted in several specific areas including Assam and India. It can also be found flourishing in the fertile terrains of Bangladesh. Additionally, the species inhabits the rugged elevations of the East Himalaya. Beyond the Indian Subcontinent, its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within Cambodia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Meyna spinosa is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitats. This species thrives within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 300 m AMSL to a maximum of 1200 m AMSL. This distribution suggests a preference for subtropical to tropical montane environments, where it can occupy various niches ranging from lowland foothills to mid-elevation forest structures. Its ability to inhabit this specific vertical range dictates its interaction with varying temperature regimes and moisture levels found across these different altitudes.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Meyna spinosa is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist and thrive through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth patterns and ecological classification, it exhibits characteristics of both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, indicating its ability to maintain its buds and photosynthetic organs well above the ground level. This combination of traits enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its habitat, undergoing continuous developmental cycles over its long life span.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Meyna spinosa is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite, and it is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a climber. Its structure is defined by permanent woody tissues that support its stature as a perennial tree.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Meyna spinosa 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 journal of natural medicines

Activities

Meyna spinosa has 4 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Mutagenic, Toxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Genotoxic

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Mutagenic

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Toxic

1. Pharmacognosy magazine