Phoebe zhennan

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is native to a specific region within the Asian continent. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in China. More specifically, it can be found throughout the South-Central part of the country. This localized presence indicates that the species thrives under the particular environmental conditions of that area. Consequently, the South-Central Chinese landscape serves as the primary natural habitat for Phoebe zhennan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phoebe zhennan is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is primarily found at a consistent elevation of approximately 1500 m AMSL. This specialized distribution profile shows no significant variance across its habitat, with its minimum, mean, and maximum elevational ranges all converging at 1500 m AMSL. This narrow altitudinal band suggests that the species is adapted to a very particular set of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, that occur specifically at this height within its native range.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Phoebe zhennan is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its physiological functions and structures over many years rather than completing a single reproductive cycle in a single season. As a long-lived woody plant, its lifecycle transitions from initial seedling establishment through a prolonged vegetative growth phase, eventually reaching reproductive maturity where it undergoes seasonal flowering and fruiting. Unlike annuals or biennials that have a finite lifespan tied to their seed production, this perennial species establishes a robust, permanent presence in its habitat, contributing to the long-term stability of its ecosystem through continuous biomass accumulation and repeated reproductive efforts over its extensive lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Phoebe zhennan is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree that can reach a mean plant height of approximately 30 m. As a self-supporting growth form, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, maintaining a sturdy and upright structure. The species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, functioning as an independent organism rather than an epiphyte or a parasite. Its development is defined by a consistent woody constitution, supporting its significant vertical growth within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Phoebe zhennan is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The foliage exhibits specific morphological dimensions, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 11 cm, maintaining a mean length of 9 cm. Complementing these dimensions, the leaf width varies from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 4 cm. Furthermore, the structural integrity of the plant is supported by its wood density, featuring a mean stem specific density (SSD) of 610 mg/cm³.

Leaf length max:

11 cm

Leaf length mean:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

610 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Phoebe zhennan is characterized by the development of inflorescences that typically range in length from a minimum of 0.075 m to a maximum of 0.12 m. Following pollination, the plant produces fruits with specific morphological dimensions; the fruit length varies from a minimum of 1.1 cm to a maximum of 1.4 cm, maintaining a mean length of approximately 1.25 cm. The width of the fruit is similarly measured, spanning from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 0.7 cm, with an average width of 0.65 cm.

Fruit length max:

1.4 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.25 cm

Fruit length min:

1.1 cm

Fruit width max:

0.7 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.65 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.12 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.075 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Phoebe zhennan 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Conditions

Phoebe zhennan has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Preparations

Phoebe zhennan has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruit-derived essential oil.

Fruit-derived essential oil

1. Chemistry & biodiversity