Morus notabilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Morus mongolica var. yunnanensis
• Morus yunnanensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It further falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, placing it in the family Moraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Morus, specifically the species Morus notaibilis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Morus notabilis, exhibits a specific and localized geographical range. Its distribution is primarily concentrated within the region of South-Central China. Within this particular area, it thrives in the unique environmental conditions provided by the landscape. Because its habitat is so focused, it is considered a characteristic species of that specific territory. Consequently, researchers studying its natural occurrence focus their efforts mainly on these South-Central provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Morus notaibilis is characterized by its specific distribution within montane environments, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. The species is found across a broad vertical gradient, with an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2800 m AMSL. Within this range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 2050 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-to-high altitude ecosystems where specific temperature and moisture regimes are present. This elevational positioning dictates its interaction with local climatic conditions and its role within the specialized mountain habitats it inhabits.

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2050 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Morus notabilis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence in its ecosystem. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant undergoes various developmental stages, transitioning from initial germination and seedling establishment into a mature, woody phase capable of sustained growth and reproduction. As a perennial, it maintains its physiological functions over many years, often developing robust root systems that facilitate survival through fluctuating environmental conditions. Its reproductive cycle involves the periodic production of flowers and fruits, which ensures the continuation of the species across successive generations through seed dispersal.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Morus notabilis is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily developing as a woody tree. It exhibits a significant stature, with heights typically ranging from a minimum of 9 m to a maximum of 15 m, though it maintains an average plant height of approximately 12 m. Although it possesses a tree-like structure, its growth habit can be described as self-supporting rather than acting as a climbing vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Plant height min:

9 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Morus notaibilis is characterized by significant morphological variation in its foliage, which plays a crucial role in its photosynthetic capacity and transpiration rates. The leaf dimensions exhibit a distinct range, with mean leaf lengths measuring approximately 11 cm, though they can fluctuate from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. This variability in surface area is complemented by a corresponding range in leaf width, which maintains a mean of 9 cm. The width of the leaves shows substantial plasticity, ranging from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 12 cm. These specific dimensional parameters suggest an adaptive physiological mechanism that allows the plant to optimize light interception and gas exchange across varying environmental conditions.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

12 cm

Leaf width mean:

9 cm

Leaf width min:

6 cm

Reproduction

Reproduction in Morus notabilis is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. The morphology of these fruits exhibits specific dimensional variations, with a recorded minimum length of 3.5 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 4 cm. On average, the fruit length measures approximately 3.75 cm, reflecting a relatively consistent size distribution during the fruiting stage. These fruits facilitate the propagation of the species by protecting the developing seeds and providing a nutrient-rich medium to attract dispersal agents.

Fruit length max:

4 cm

Fruit length mean:

3.75 cm

Fruit length min:

3.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Morus notabilis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4,2',4'-Tetrahydroxychalcone, Flavonoids, LIGNIN, Oxyresveratrol, isoliquiritigenin.

2,4,2',4'-Tetrahydroxychalcone

1. Horticulture research

Flavonoids

1. Horticulture research

LIGNIN

1. PeerJ

Oxyresveratrol

1. Horticulture research

isoliquiritigenin

1. Horticulture research

naringenin

1. Horticulture research

resveratrol

1. Horticulture research

steppogenin

1. Horticulture research