Pancratium parvum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pancratium parvum var. malabaricum
• Pancratium parvum subsp. malabaricum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Pancratium parvum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, it is placed in the genus Pancratium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Pancratium parvum, exhibits a specific and limited range of occurrence. Its primary geographical distribution is centered within the Indian Subcontinent. More specifically, this medicinal species is found natively in India. Because of this localized presence, it is considered an important part of the regional flora. Understanding this specific habitat is essential for the conservation and study of the plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pancratium parvum is characterized by its specialized survival strategies, specifically classified under the life forms of both geophyte and cryptophyte. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to persist through periods of dormancy before emerging to complete its reproductive cycle. This underground existence is a fundamental component of its cryptophyte status, meaning that its vital regenerative buds are protected beneath the soil surface, shielding them from external stressors such as drought or herbivory. This life cycle ensures that the plant can effectively manage energy reserves, facilitating seasonal growth patterns typical of species adapted to specific microhabitats.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Pancratium parvum is characterized by its distinct growth habit and ecological positioning. The plant functions as a self-supporting climber, lacking the necessity for external structures to maintain its verticality through obligatory or facultative means. It maintains a fully independent existence, as it is not a parasite and does not rely on host organisms for nutrients. Furthermore, its growth pattern is strictly terrestrial rather than epiphytic, establishing itself firmly within the soil substrate rather than growing upon other plants.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Pancratium parvum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Conditions

Pancratium parvum has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer disease, neurological disorders.

Alzheimer disease

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Neurological disorders

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition