Sudiyo

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Olax nana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Santalales. Finally, it is a member of the family Olacaceae and falls under the genus Olax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing naturally in the state of Assam and throughout much of India. Its presence extends into the neighboring country of Bangladesh, where it occupies various habitats. Additionally, the species is common in the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the diverse landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Olax nana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its physiological functions over a long lifespan. Unlike annuals that complete their cycle in a single year or biennials that require two years to reach maturity, this plant establishes a stable, long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a perennial, it undergoes continuous cycles of growth, development, and reproduction, often exhibiting robust structural stability that allows it to endure varying environmental conditions over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Olax nana is characterized by a growth form that transitions between a shrub and a subshrub, exhibiting a woody structure. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, though it can exist within semiaquatic environments. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a self-supporting habit rather than acting as a climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Olax nana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, Sterols, Tannins, Terpenoids.

Flavonoids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Saponins

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Sterols

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Tannins

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Terpenoids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Activities

Olax nana has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant.

Anticholinesterase

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antioxidant

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Preparations