Piper attenuatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Piper sirium
• Chavica pseudomelamiris
• Piper karok
• Chavica melamiris

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Piper attenuatum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Ultimately, it is classified under the genus Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the states of India and specifically within the Assam region. Its presence extends into Bangladesh, making it a notable species in that area as well. Additionally, the plant thrives in the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya. Beyond the subcontinent, its geographical range also reaches into the Indo-China region, specifically within Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper attenuatum is defined by its specific niche within mid-elevation forest ecosystems, where it thrives within a precise altitudinal corridor. This species is primarily found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 200 m AMSL to a maximum of 500 m AMSL. Occupying this specific vertical range, the plant is adapted to the unique microclimates, moisture levels, and light availability characteristic of these subtropical or tropical montane zones. Its distribution is closely tied to these elevational constraints, which dictate the environmental variables such as temperature and humidity required for its growth and reproductive success.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Piper attenuatum is characterized by its distinct growth form and structural habits. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its physical structure to ascend and navigate its environment. Although it shares certain characteristics with shrubs, its primary development is observed as a climbing herb or shrub-like form. In terms of its ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial rather than epiphytic, establishing its root systems in the ground. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a woody nature, providing the necessary structural integrity for its climbing habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Piper attenuatum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.

Hepatoprotective

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Conditions

Piper attenuatum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include NAFLD.

Nafld

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology