Pretty Dragon's Tongue

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Pretty Dragon's Tongue

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Meibomia pulchella
• Dicerma pulchellum
• Desmodium pulchellum
• Zornia pulchella
• Hedysarum pulchellum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Fabales, specifically within the family Fabaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Phyllodium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution pattern across several specific regions in East Asia. In mainland China, it is primarily located within the South-Central and Southeast territories. Additionally, the species can be found growing on the tropical island of Hainan. Its range extends further east to include the Nansei-shoto islands of Eastern Asia. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal species encompasses the island of Taiwan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Phyllodium pulchellum is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived member of its ecological niche, it does not follow the rapid cycle of annuals or the mid-range development of biennials, but instead establishes a stable presence within its habitat. This perennial lifecycle enables the plant to invest in robust structural development and repeat reproductive efforts over several years, contributing to its long-term survival and ability to maintain populations within its specific environmental range.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllodium pulchellum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. It functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber or liana, exhibiting an independent life cycle as it is not a parasite or an epiphyte, typically maintaining a terrestrial habit. The plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.5 meters to a maximum of 2 meters. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its shrubby stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Phyllodium pulchellum 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. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Phyllodium pulchellum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4-hydroxy-2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, Betulin, Flavonoids, citrusinol, methyl piperitol.

4-hydroxy-2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde

1. Journal of natural products

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Flavonoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

citrusinol

1. Journal of natural products

methyl piperitol

1. Journal of natural products

phenol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

yukovanol

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Phyllodium pulchellum has 14 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antimicrobial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antioxidant

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Phyllodium pulchellum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aerial part.

Aerial part

1. Journal of natural products