Microtropis japonica

Microtropis japonica, commonly known as the Japanese Microtropis, is a climbing shrub native to East Asian forests. Valued in traditional medicine, this species contains unique bioactive alkaloids. Research explores its potential pharmacological properties, particularly regarding its effects on the nervous system, making it a subject of significant ethnobotanical interest.

  • Scientific name: Microtropis japonica
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Microtropis japonica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Microtropis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Celastrales WCVP
Family Celastraceae WCVP
Genus Microtropis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Microtropis japonica, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is known as 日本假卫矛 (zh, zh-hans, zh-cn) and as 日本賽衛矛 (zh-tw) in Taiwan. In Japanese, the plant is commonly called モクレイシ (ja).
Language Common Name Source
zh 日本假卫矛 Wikidata
zh-tw 日本賽衛矛 Wikidata
ja モクレイシ Wikidata
zh-hans 日本假卫矛 Wikidata
zh-cn 日本假卫矛 Wikidata
zh 日本赛卫矛 Wikidata
ja クロギ Wikidata
ja フクボク Wikidata
ja Otherodendron japonicum Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Eastern Asia. Its natural range extends across the various islands of Japan. Furthermore, it is commonly distributed throughout the Nansei-shoto archipelago. The species can also be located within the subtropical regions of Taiwan. These specific territories define the primary geographical footprint of the species.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Microtropis japonica, possesses a woody structure where the stem serves as a critical component for the plant's physical support and nutrient transport. The stem facilitates the movement of water and essential minerals from the root system to the leaves, while also providing the necessary framework to elevate the foliage toward sunlight. In the context of its medicinal profile, the various tissues within the stem contribute to the overall chemical composition of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Microtropis japonica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 15-acetoxyorbiculin G, 3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 8-benzoyloxymutangin, celahin C, salasol A.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
15-acetoxyorbiculin G 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-benzoyloxymutangin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
celahin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
salasol A 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Microtropis japonica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitubercular.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antitubercular 1 ★☆☆☆☆