Osbeckia nepalensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Osbeckia nepalensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Myrtales. Finally, it is a member of the Melastomataceae family and falls under the genus Osbeckia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, it can be found inhabiting the South-Central and Southeast territories. Furthermore, its presence extends into the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Within the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented to grow in Assam. Finally, its range reaches into the neighboring country of Bangladesh.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Osbeckia nepalensis is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a broad vertical niche. This species is found across a significant elevational gradient, ranging from a minimum altitude of 450 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 2300 m AMSL. The ecological center of its distribution is situated at a mean elevation of approximately 1225 m AMSL, suggesting that while it possesses the adaptability to survive in both lower subtropical zones and higher temperate foothills, its primary biological activity and population density are most optimized within this mid-elevation belt.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1225 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

450 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Osbeckia nepalensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial, the plant establishes a robust physiological foundation that allows it to survive periods of environmental stress and regrow annually, contributing to a long-term presence within its native ecological niche. This perennial nature supports a sustained reproductive strategy, enabling the plant to produce flowers and seeds over several years, which facilitates gradual population expansion and stability in its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Osbeckia nepalenis is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit climbing behavior, functioning instead as a self-supporting plant. The stature of the plant varies in height, ranging from a minimum of 0.6 m to a maximum of 2 m, with an average height of approximately 0.8 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height mean:

0.8 m

Plant height min:

0.6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Osbeckia nepalensis is characterized by distinct vegetative parameters that define its photosynthetic surface area and structural development. The leaf morphology exhibits significant variability, with a mean leaf length of 10 cm, though individual specimens can range from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 13 cm. This longitudinal growth is complemented by a width profile that fluctuates between a minimum of 2.5 cm and a maximum of 3.8 cm. These dimensions suggest a highly adaptable leaf structure capable of optimizing light interception and gas exchange within its specific ecological niche, where the variance in leaf size likely reflects physiological responses to varying environmental conditions and resource availability.

Leaf length max:

13 cm

Leaf length mean:

10 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

3.8 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Osbeckia nepalensis is characterized by its specific flowering and fruiting structures, beginning with the development of the inflorescence. The inflorescence length is relatively compact, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.08 m. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit highly consistent morphological dimensions. The fruit length is uniform across observed specimens, with a minimum, mean, and maximum value all recorded at 0.8 cm, indicating a very stable size for the fruit during its reproductive cycle.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.08 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.05 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Osbeckia nepalensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Letters in applied microbiology

Chemicals

Osbeckia nepalensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Triterpenes.

Triterpenes

1. Letters in applied microbiology

Conditions

Osbeckia nepalensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections

1. Letters in applied microbiology

Preparations

Osbeckia nepalensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf extract.

Leaf extract

1. Letters in applied microbiology