Neuropeltis racemosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Erycibe integripetala
• Neuropeltis intermedia
• Neuropeltis bracteata
• Neuropeltis integripetala
• Sinomerrillia bracteata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Solanales, falling into the family Convolvulaceae. Ultimately, the medicinal species is identified by the genus Neuropeltis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its distribution extends through the South-Central provinces and reaches the island of Hainan. The species is also well-represented within the Indo-China region. Specifically, it can be found growing in the natural habitats of Cambodia and Laos. Finally, its documented presence continues into the territory of Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Neuropeltis racemosa is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within its natural habitat, where it thrives across a distinct vertical gradient. This species is predominantly found at mid-elevation levels, maintaining a mean elevation of approximately 750 m AMSL. Its ecological niche spans from lower reaches starting at a minimum of 400 m AMSL to higher reaches that peak at a maximum of 1100 m AMSL. This altitudinal range suggests an adaptation to specific environmental parameters, such as temperature fluctuations and moisture availability, characteristic of these middle-elevation zones.

Elevational range max:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Neuropelis racemosa is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are elevated above the ground surface on woody stems or branches. Within this botanical framework, the species exhibits a dual categorization of its life form, functioning both as a phanerophyte and specifically as a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while its reproductive buds are held above the soil level, the plant maintains a relatively diminutive or shrubby stature. This life strategy allows the plant to persist through varying environmental conditions by protecting its vital meristematic tissues on aerial structures, distinguishing it from other life forms such as chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, or therophytes.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Neuropelis racemosa is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber that utilizes surrounding structures for support. Although it exhibits a terrestrial nature rather than being an epiphyte, its structural development is defined by its woody composition. Furthermore, the plant operates as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with its host species during its life cycle.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of the foliage in Neuropeltis racemosa are defined by specific morphological dimensions that govern its photosynthetic surface area. The leaf length exhibits significant variability, with a minimum measurement of 6 cm and a maximum reaching up to 12 cm, while the average leaf length is recorded at 9 cm. Complementing this, the leaf width shows a range starting from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 6.5 cm, maintaining a mean width of 4.75 cm. These dimensional parameters reflect the plant's adaptive growth patterns and its capacity for light interception and gas exchange within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length mean:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

6.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

4.75 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Neuropeltis racemosa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate, N-trans-Coumaroyltyramine, N-trans-Feruloyltyramine, SYRINGIC ACID, scopoletin.

Methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

N-trans-Coumaroyltyramine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

N-trans-Feruloyltyramine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

SYRINGIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

scopoletin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Neuropeltis racemosa has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include dysentery, hypoglycemia, muscle rigidity.

Dysentery

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypoglycemia

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Muscle rigidity

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)