Microcos hirsuta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the Malesia botanical region. Within this vast area, its presence is documented across the island of Borneo. It can also be found inhabiting the Lesser Sunda Islands. Furthermore, the species is known to grow within the Malay Peninsula. Finally, its geographical range extends to the island of Sumatera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Microcos hirsuta is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it establishes a robust presence in its habitat, often developing a root system that supports regrowth after seasonal dormancy. This longevity enables the plant to participate in multiple reproductive cycles over its lifespan, contributing to its long-term stability within its ecological niche. Through its perennial lifecycle, Microcos hirsuta can withstand varying environmental conditions, ensuring its continued existence and ability to produce seeds across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Microcos hirsuta is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning as a tree that can reach a mean plant height of approximately 12 m. It is classified as a terrestrial species rather than an epiphyte, maintaining a self-supporting climbing habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Microcos hirsuta is characterized by a metabolic framework adapted to diverse environmental conditions, primarily focusing on nutrient acquisition and structural resilience. In terms of its nitrogen metabolism, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, typically found in leguminous species, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its physiological processes include standard photosynthetic pathways to convert light energy into chemical energy, supported by a complex system of transpiration and water regulation to maintain cellular turgor. The plant's metabolic rate is influenced by temperature and soil moisture, which dictate the efficiency of its enzymatic activities and nutrient transport mechanisms.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Microcos hirsuta 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. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Preparations

Microcos hirsuta has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract of the leaves.

Methanol extract of the leaves

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine