Miliusa horsfieldii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Asia. In China, its distribution includes the island of Hainan as well as the southeastern parts of the country. Moving into the Indo-China region, the species can be found within the Andaman Islands. Its presence also extends to the mainland territories of Laos. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Miliusa horsfieldii is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to maintain its biological presence over multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant's vital organs and buds are elevated above the ground level, typically supported by a woody structure that protects its growth points from environmental stressors. This phanerophyte life form ensures its persistence within its ecological niche, contributing to its long-term survival and stability in the landscape.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Miliusa horsfieldii is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a tree. This species exhibits a significant stature, reaching an average plant height of approximately 25 m. In terms of its climbing habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, maintaining its structural integrity through its own woody framework.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Miliusa horsfieldii is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutritional acquisition strategies typical of the Annonaceae family. The plant undergoes standard photosynthetic processes to convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting its growth and secondary metabolite production. In terms of its nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships, Miliusa horsfieldii does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic associations with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form. Consequently, its nitrogen uptake is entirely dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium within the soil matrix through its root system. This physiological constraint means the plant's development and the biosynthesis of its medicinal compounds are closely linked to the nitrogen levels of its surrounding environment.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Miliusa horsfieldii is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. Within these fleshy structures, the seeds exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with seed volumes ranging from a minimum of 350 mm³ to a maximum of 560 mm³. On average, the seeds produced by this species possess a mean volume of 455 mm³, reflecting a consistent reproductive output essential for the plant's propagation in its natural habitat.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

560 mm³

Seed volume mean:

455 mm³

Seed volume min:

350 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Miliusa horsfieldii 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 root.

Root

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Miliusa horsfieldii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.

Roots

1. Planta medica