Nekemias megalophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vitaeda megalophylla
• Ampelopsis megalophylla

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Nekemias megalophylla, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling into the order Vitales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Vitaceae and the genus Nekemias.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Nekemias megalophylla, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of China. It can be found growing within the diverse landscapes of China South-Central. Additionally, its presence extends into the territories of China North-Central. The species is also documented to inhabit various parts of China Southeast. Consequently, these three distinct areas define its primary geographical range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Nekemias megalophylla is closely defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat. This species thrives across a diverse vertical gradient, occupying environments that range from lower elevations of 600 m AMSL to higher montane reaches reaching a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. The plant finds its optimal ecological niche at a mean elevation of approximately 1075 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-altitude zones where specific moisture and temperature regimes are maintained. This elevational breadth allows the species to interface with varying microclimates, though its core population density is likely concentrated around its central altitudinal mean.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1075 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Nekemias megalophylla is characterized by its distinct growth habit as an obligatory climber, meaning it relies entirely on external structures for support to ascend toward light sources. This climbing mechanism is supported by its woody nature, as the plant develops substantial, lignified stems that provide the structural integrity necessary to navigate complex forest environments. The combination of its obligatory climbing habit and woody stems allows the plant to establish a robust physical presence within its ecosystem.

Climber :

obligatory

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Nekemias megalophylla is characterized by a significant degree of morphological variability in its laminar dimensions. The leaves exhibit a broad range of sizes, with the leaf length typically averaging 8 cm, though it can fluctuate from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 12 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a distinct range in leaf width, which maintains a mean value of 4 cm. The lateral expansion of the leaf blade varies from a minimum width of 2 cm to a maximum width of 6 cm, reflecting a dynamic growth pattern that influences the plant's overall photosynthetic surface area and resource acquisition capabilities.

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length mean:

8 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width mean:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

2 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Nekemias megalophylla involves the development of distinctive fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. These fruits are characterized by a relatively consistent shape, with their length and width following very similar measurement ranges. On average, the fruit measures approximately 0.8 cm in both length and width. The size of these reproductive structures varies slightly between individuals, with minimum dimensions recorded at 0.6 cm for both length and width, while the maximum dimensions reach up to 1 cm in both length and width. This narrow range of variation in fruit size ensures a standardized method of seed dispersal and reproductive success for the species.

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.8 cm

Fruit length min:

0.6 cm

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.8 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Nekemias megalophylla has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Terpenoids, polyphenols.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

polyphenols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Nekemias megalophylla has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Neuroprotective.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hepatoprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Nekemias megalophylla has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include aphonia, blood pressure, fatigue, heatstroke, sore-throat.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations