Ohwia caudata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Catenaria caudata
• Catenaria laburnifolia
• Meibomia laburnifolia
• Hedysarum caudatum
• Desmodium laburnifolium
• Meibomia caudata
• Hedysarum laburnifolium
• Desmodium cateniferum
• Desmodium caudatum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Ohwia, specifically the species Ohwia caudata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions in East Asia. In China, its presence is documented throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. Additionally, it can be found growing in the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Beyond mainland China, its distribution extends into the neighboring countries of Japan and Korea. Together, these locations define the specific ecological footprint of Ophiopogon japonicus (Ohwia caudata).

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ophioglossum caudatum is characterized by its specific distribution across varying altitudinal gradients, thriving within a distinct vertical niche. It is typically found inhabiting environments that span an elevational range from a minimum of 300 m AMSL to a maximum of 1520 m AMSL. This range suggests an adaptability to diverse montane and sub-montane microclimates, where it occupies specialized ecological niches dictated by these altitudinal shifts.

Elevational range max:

1520 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ohwia caudata is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or substrate. Within the spectrum of plant life forms, it is specifically identified as a hemicryptophyte (trait_2: hemicryptophyte) and falls under the broader category of hemicryptophyte (trait_1: hemicryptophyte), strategies that allow it to survive seasonal environmental changes by sheltering its vital reproductive structures at the ground level. This life history pattern enables the plant to persist through unfavorable periods while emerging to utilize favorable growing seasons, navigating its ecological niche through a perennial lifecycle that relies on these protected subterranean or near-surface buds for regeneration.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ophiopogon japonicus (commonly associated with the characteristics provided) is defined by its robust growth as a perennial herb, functioning as a self-supporting graminoid-like plant. It lacks the climbing tendencies of a liana or vine, instead maintaining a stable, self-supporting structure that does not require external support. In terms of its habitat and ecological niche, it is classified as a terrestrial plant, avoiding aquatic or semiaquatic environments, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining firmly rooted in the soil rather than growing on other plants as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. The plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic traits such as obligatory or facultative dependence on a host. Its physical constitution is characterized by a woody nature, providing a sturdy foundation for its herbaceous growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ohwia caudata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO without the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. This metabolic process involves the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate in the mesophyll cells, which is highly efficient under moderate temperatures and well-watered conditions. The plant's energy assimilation is closely linked to its transpiration rates and nutrient uptake, where the movement of water through the xylem supports the leaf hydration necessary to maintain stomatal conductance for gas exchange. Furthermore, its physiological vigor is supported by a robust metabolic profile that facilitates the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which are integrated into its overall growth and developmental cycles.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ohwia caudata has 3 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia
2. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Root

1. Fitoterapia

Stem

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Ohwia caudata has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3',4'-Dimethoxyflavone, 8-prenylquercetin, Eupatilin, Flavonoids, HARMINE.

3',4'-Dimethoxyflavone

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

8-prenylquercetin

1. Fitoterapia

Eupatilin

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoids

1. Fitoterapia

HARMINE

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Isovitexin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

NEROLIDOL

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Swertisin

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Ohwia caudata has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anthelmintic, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Anthelmintic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hypoglycemic

1. Fitoterapia

Hypolipidemic

1. Fitoterapia

Medicinal Uses

Ohwia caudata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include contact dermatitis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations