Hallab

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Hallab

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Periploca laevigata f. anomalis
• Periploca laevigata f. obovata
• Periploca laevigata f. undulata
• Periploca punicifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Periploca laevigata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales and the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Periploca.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a notable species within the Macaronesian botanical region. Its natural distribution is specifically concentrated within certain island territories. Most notably, it can be found growing across the Canary Islands. Additionally, its range extends to the Selvagens Islands. These specific locations define its unique geographical presence in the Atlantic.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Periploca laeviata is characterized by its specific adaptation to distinct altitudinal zones and habitat structures. This species typically inhabits mid-elevation landscapes, with its distribution strictly bounded by an elevational range that reaches a maximum of 700 m AMSL. Within this vertical limit, the plant thrives in specific environmental niches that support its growth patterns, often interacting with local soil compositions and microclimates found at these moderate heights. Its presence is closely tied to the availability of resources within these lower-to-mid altitude belts, where it plays a role in the local vegetative structure and ecological stability of its native terrain.

Elevational range max:

700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Periploca laeviagata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial woody climber or shrub, it establishes a long-term presence within its ecosystem, often developing extensive climbing structures to navigate through competing vegetation. Its lifecycle involves seasonal vegetative growth phases and reproductive periods where it produces flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of the species. Because it is not limited to a single season of growth like annuals or a two-year cycle like biennials, its developmental strategy focuses on long-term survival and the ability to recover from environmental fluctuations over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Periploca laeviagata is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. This plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 2 meters.

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of Periploca laeviagata is characterized by a distinct leaf morphology and arrangement that facilitate its metabolic processes. The foliage exhibits an elliptic leaf form, providing a specific surface area optimized for light interception and gas exchange. These leaves are distributed along the stem in an opposite arrangement, though the species may also display alternate, whorled, or rosette patterns depending on developmental stages or environmental adaptations. In terms of dimensions, the leaf length is variable, typically ranging from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 6 cm, a range that plays a critical role in the plant's overall photosynthetic capacity and transpiration rates.

Leaf arrangement :

opposite

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf length max:

6 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Periploca laeviagata is characterized by a specific flowering period that begins in September and concludes in April. During this phase, the plant produces brown flowers arranged in a panicle inflorescence, with individual flower widths ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 2 cm. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fruit categorized as a follicle, which reaches a consistent length of approximately 15 cm. The resulting seeds are quite lightweight, maintaining a uniform mass of 0.00751 g. Dispersal of these seeds is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by the wind.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flower colour :

brown

Flower width max:

2 cm

Flower width min:

1 cm

Flowering time :

Sep

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit length max:

15 cm

Fruit type :

follicle

Inflorescence :

panicle

Seed mass mean:

0.00751 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Periploca laevigata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Condensed Tannins, Flavonoids, Tannins.

Condensed Tannins

1. Natural product research

Flavonoids

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders

Tannins

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders

Activities

Periploca laevigata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic.

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders

Conditions

Periploca laevigata has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antidiabetic, diabetic complications, inflammation.

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders

Diabetic complications

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders

Inflammation

1. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders