Neonauclea griffithii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cephalanthus navillei
• Adina griffithii
• Neonauclea navillei
• Nauclea griffithii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by its genus, Neonauclea, and its species name, Neonauclea griffithii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Asia. Within China, it can be found specifically in the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its distribution extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits Assam and the East Himalaya regions. Furthermore, the species is documented within the Indo-China region, particularly in Myanmar. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across multiple subtropical and montane environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Neonauclea griffithii is characterized by its specific distribution within diverse montane and sub-montane landscapes, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species thrives within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 300 m AMSL to a maximum of 1300 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an adaptability to varying environmental gradients, allowing the plant to inhabit different microclimates and soil compositions found across these varying heights above mean sea level.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Neonauclea griffithii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located well above the ground level on aerial stems. Within the broader spectrum of its growth strategy, it is specifically identified as a phanerophyte, distinguishing it from other life forms such as chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, cryptophytes, or therophytes. This physiological structure allows the plant to maintain its regenerative potential in elevated parts of its anatomy, ensuring survival through varying seasonal conditions by protecting its buds above the soil surface.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Neonauclea griffithii is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree that can reach a mean height of approximately 20 m. It is a woody plant that grows in an independent manner, functioning as a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte or a parasite. Regarding its climbing habit, the species is classified as self-supporting, rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative liana or vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Neonauclea griffithii is characterized by specific structural adaptations and biomass allocation patterns that influence its mechanical strength and resource management. A critical physiological metric for this species is its stem-specific density (SSD), which plays a vital role in determining the plant's structural integrity and its ability to withstand environmental stressors. The SSD_mean for Neonauclea griffithii is recorded at 744 mg/cm³, a value that reflects the density of the vascular and supportive tissues within the stem. This density is indicative of the plant's carbon investment in its secondary growth, balancing the need for efficient nutrient transport through the xylem with the requirement for physical stability. Such density parameters are fundamental to the plant's hydraulic conductivity and its overall resilience in its native ecological niche.

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

744 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Neonauclea griffithii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Benzaldoxime, CINNAMAMIDE, scopoletin.

Benzaldoxime

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

CINNAMAMIDE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

scopoletin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials