Dwarf Ophiorrhiza

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Dwarf Ophiorrhiza

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ophiorrhiza pumila var. inflata
• Ophiorrhiza humilis
• Ophiorrhiza inflata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Gentianaales and is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Within this family, its specific taxonomic designation is the genus Ophiorrhiza.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across several regions in East Asia. In China, its presence is documented in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Moving further east, the species can also be found in Japan. Additionally, its distribution extends to the Nansei-shotō islands. Together, these locations define its primary geographical footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Ophiorrhiza pumila is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located close to or just above the soil surface, allowing it to survive various environmental fluctuations. As a perennial herb, it maintains a continuous life cycle through specialized underground structures that facilitate nutrient storage and persistence. Its growth strategy is optimized for forest floor environments, where it utilizes its low-growing stature to navigate shaded habitats. The plant's developmental stages involve the emergence of foliage from these protected buds, followed by a reproductive phase where it produces flowers to ensure genetic dispersal. By maintaining its vital organs near the ground level, Ophiorrhiza pumila effectively balances the need for seasonal growth with the necessity of surviving periods of dormancy or unfavorable conditions.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ophiorrhiza pumila is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative parts. This plant functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and is primarily terrestrial in its ecological habit. In terms of its climbing capacity, it is classified as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its structural integrity to ascend or spread without the absolute necessity of external host support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ophiorrhiza pumila has 5 reported plant parts identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf, stem, flower, seed.

Root

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. International journal of biological macromolecules
3. Journal of natural medicines
4. Scientific reports
5. Horticulture research

Leaf

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. Journal of natural medicines

Stem

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. Journal of natural medicines

Flower

1. Journal of natural medicines

Seed

1. Journal of natural medicines

Chemicals

Ophiorrhiza pumila has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include camptothecin, Loganin, Anthraquinones, CPT, D-Tryptophan.

camptothecin

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3. International journal of biological macromolecules
4. Journal of natural medicines
5. Scientific reports

Loganin

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. International journal of molecular sciences

Anthraquinones

1. Phytochemistry

CPT

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

D-Tryptophan

1. Biotechnology and applied biochemistry

L-tryptophan

1. Biotechnology and applied biochemistry

Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids

1. Nature communications

Pumiloside

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology

Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate

1. Biotechnology and applied biochemistry

Strictosamide

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology

Activities

Ophiorrhiza pumila has 1 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.

Anticancer

1. Journal of integrative plant biology
2. Horticulture research
3. BMC biology

Medicinal Uses

Ophiorrhiza pumila has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, tumor.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations