True Kadamb

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• True Kadamb

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nauclea parvifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Mitragyna parvifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales. Finally, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae and the genus Mitragyna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing naturally throughout the diverse landscapes of India. The species also extends its reach into the neighboring territories of Bangladesh and Nepal. Additionally, its presence is noted in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Finally, it is specifically documented to inhabit the unique ecological zones of the West Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Mitragyna parvifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its natural ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its conducting parts well above the ground, typically manifesting as a woody tree structure. The species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal biological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mitragyna parvifolia is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily developing as a woody tree. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior. The plant is self-supporting in its structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. In terms of stature, it can reach a significant height, with an average height of approximately 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mitragyna parvifolia is characterized by a metabolic framework consistent with many tropical woody species, specifically utilizing a C3 photosynthetic pathway for carbon fixation. This pathway involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, a mechanism that is highly effective under the shaded or semi-shaded canopy conditions often inhabited by this species. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as those found in root nodules of leguminous plants, and must therefore rely on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system to satisfy its nutritional requirements for protein synthesis and growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Mitragyna parvifolia is characterized by the production of specialized fruit and seeds adapted for efficient distribution. The plant produces fruit classified as a capsule, which is a dehiscent type, meaning it splits open at maturity to release its contents. The seeds contained within are notably small and lightweight, with a mean seed mass of approximately 9.83e-05 g, ranging from a minimum of 9.5e-05 g to a maximum of 1e-04 g. Due to their minute size and low mass, the plant employs an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind currents to transport the seeds away from the parent plant to colonize new areas.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Fruit type :

capsule

Seed mass max:

1e-04 g

Seed mass mean:

9.83e-05 g

Seed mass min:

9.5e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Mitragyna parvifolia has 3 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology
2. The Plant cell
3. Phytochemistry

Root

1. The Plant cell

Stem

1. The Plant cell

Chemicals

Mitragyna parvifolia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Mitraphylline, Flavonoids, ISOMITRAPHYLLINE, MIA, Phenols.

Mitraphylline

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology
2. The Plant cell
3. Phytochemistry

Flavonoids

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

ISOMITRAPHYLLINE

1. Phytochemistry

MIA

1. The Plant cell

Phenols

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Tannins

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Terpenoids

1. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Activities

Mitragyna parvifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.

Antiproliferative

1. The Plant cell

Medicinal Uses

Mitragyna parvifolia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Lymphatic filariasis, insects, lymphatic filariasis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations