Neoalsomitra clavigera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Neoalsomitra pubigera
• Alsomitra stephensiana
• Neoalsomitra stephensiana
• Alsomitra clavigera
• Neoalsomitra integrifoliola
• Alsomitra integrifoliola
• Zanonia stephensiana
• Neoalsomitra rotundifoliola
• Alsomitra clavigera var. hookeri
• Alsomitra tonkinensis
• Zanonia clavigera
• Alsomitra pubigera var. glauca
• Alsomitra beccariana
• Neoalsomitra pubescens
• Neoalsomitra tonkinensis
• Alsomitra muelleri
• Neoalsomitra muelleri
• Alsomitra pubescens
• Alsomitra pubigera
• Neoalsomitra beccariana
• Alsomitra rotundifoliola
• Gynostemma integrifoliolum
• Gynostemma elongatum
• Hemsleya elongata
• Hemsleya henryi

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Neoalsomitra clavigera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Cucurbitales and the family Cucurbitaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Neoalsomitra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central provinces as well as on the island of Hainan. Its presence extends into the high-altitude terrains of Tibet, showcasing its ability to inhabit diverse environments. In Eastern Asia, the species is also documented growing in Taiwan. Additionally, its range reaches the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the state of Assam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Neoalsomitra clavigera is specifically defined by its preference for high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct niche within the mountain ecosystem. This species thrives within a relatively narrow altitudinal belt, specifically ranging from an elevation of 1200 m AMSL to a maximum of 1400 m AMSL. This specific elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the unique microclimates found in these mid-to-high montane zones, likely requiring the specific temperature gradients, moisture levels, and atmospheric pressures characteristic of this 200-meter vertical span. Such specialization indicates that its survival is closely tied to the environmental stability provided by these specific altitudinal strata.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Neoalsomitra clavigera is characterized by a versatile growth habit that spans various ecological niches, functioning across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. It manifests as a non-woody plant, lacking significant lignification, which facilitates its specialized movement and structural development. The species exhibits a climbing growth form specifically categorized as a vine, and it functions as an obligatory climber, meaning it relies on external structures for support rather than being self-supporting. While its growth form is classified under the category of "other" rather than traditional herbs, shrubs, or trees, its life cycle is closely tied to its terrestrial existence, acting as a terrestrial entity rather than an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

other

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Neoalsomitra clavigera 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Neoalsomitra clavigera has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, huazhongilexin, nudiposide.

(7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

huazhongilexin

1. Journal of natural products

nudiposide

1. Journal of natural products