Picrasma javanica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Brucea dubia
• Picrasma philippinensis
• Zanthoxylum javanicum
• Picrasma javanica var. napalensis
• Triscaphis kerrii
• Picrasma andamanica
• Picrasma napalensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is positioned in the family Simaroubaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Picrasma, within which the species Picrasma javanica is found.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of India and its neighboring country, Bangladesh. Its distribution also extends across the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya. Specific populations are known to thrive in the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the country of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Picrasma javanica is characterized by its specific vertical distribution within montane ecosystems, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species thrives within a specific elevational range, typically found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 600 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL. This localized elevation profile suggests a preference for mid-altitude forest environments, where it likely interacts with specific microclimatic conditions, soil compositions, and moisture levels characteristic of these subtropical or tropical montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Picrasma javaica is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily functioning as a large woody tree that can reach a maximum height of approximately 24 meters. While it exhibits characteristics of a liana or vine in certain contexts, it is specifically categorized by its self-supporting climbing habit, acting as both an obligatory and facultative self-supporting structure. As a terrestrial plant, it grows directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte, and its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, which supports its substantial vertical development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

24 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Picrasma javanica is characterized by a metabolic framework that utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism wherein carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the first stage of the Calvin cycle. This process occurs within the mesophyll cells, where the enzyme RuBisCO facilitates the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate. As a C3 plant, its physiological efficiency is highly dependent on environmental variables such as temperature, light intensity, and water availability, as it lacks the specialized CO2-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM species. The plant's carbon assimilation is subject to photorespiration, particularly under conditions of high temperature or drought stress, which can influence its overall growth rate and biomass production. This metabolic efficiency dictates how the plant manages its energy budget and regulates its transpiration rates to maintain cellular homeostasis.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Picrasma javanica is characterized by the development of fruit that exhibits a specific textural profile, being described as both dry and fleshy in nature. The seeds produced during this reproductive cycle are notably uniform in size, maintaining a consistent seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of exactly 450 mm³. This stability in seed volume suggests a highly regulated developmental process during the maturation of the fruit.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

450 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Picrasma javanica has 4 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, seed, stem.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Root

1. Fitoterapia

Seed

1. Fitoterapia

Stem

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Picrasma javanica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (16R)-Methoxyjavanicin B, (16S)-Methoxyjavanicin B, compound 8.

(16R)-Methoxyjavanicin B

1. Journal of natural medicines

(16S)-Methoxyjavanicin B

1. Journal of natural medicines

compound 8

1. Journal of natural medicines

Activities

Picrasma javanica has 1 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of natural medicines

Preparations

Picrasma javanica has 1 reported preparations identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark.

Bark

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin