Pterospermum acerifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pterospermadendron acerifolium
• Pterospermum macrocarpum
• Dombeya acerifolia
• Cavanilla acerifolia
• Pentapetes acerifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Pterospermum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across parts of East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Within China, its presence is specifically noted in the South-Central regions. In the Indian subcontinent, it is widely distributed throughout India and the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species can be found in the neighboring country of Bangladesh. Finally, its habitat extends into the unique ecological zones of the East Himalaya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pterospermum acerifolium is characterized by its specific altitudinal distribution, as the species thrives within a distinct elevational range. It is typically found inhabiting environments situated between a minimum elevation of 500 m AMSL and a maximum elevation of 1300 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests a preference for specific montane or sub-montane climatic conditions found within these mid-altitude zones.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Pterospermum acerifolium is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a stable presence within its ecosystem over many years. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that it retains its foliage and continues photosynthetic activity across different seasons rather than undergoing a period of dormancy associated with deciduous species.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterospermum acerifolium is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a large, woody tree. This species reaches significant dimensions, with a plant height that can extend up to a maximum of 30 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 30 m. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining firmly grounded in its natural habitat. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with other species, and functions as a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana, vine, or climbing plant. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, which supports its substantial stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterospermum acerifolium is characterized by its specific metabolic and structural adaptations. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and energy production efficiency. Structurally, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 676 mg/cm³, reflecting its wood density and internal mechanical strength. Additionally, in terms of nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

676 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pterospermum acerifolium is characterized by the production of specialized fruit structures and specific dispersal mechanisms. The plant produces fruit classified as a capsule, which is a dehiscent type, meaning it is capable of splitting open at maturity to release its contents. The seeds produced are uniform in size, with a recorded seed mass of approximately 0.23079 g, a value that serves as both the mean, minimum, and maximum mass for the species. Following the dehiscence of the capsule, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind currents to transport the seeds away from the parent plant to facilitate colonization of new areas.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Fruit type :

capsule

Seed mass mean:

0.23079 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pterospermum acerifolium has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, betulinic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition)

Activities

Pterospermum acerifolium has 12 reported activities identified across 0 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

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Pterospermum acerifolium has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer, inflammation, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer.

Cancer

1. Molecular biology reports

Inflammation

1. Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition)

Lung cancer

1. Molecular biology reports

Pancreatic cancer

1. Molecular biology reports

Preparations

Pterospermum acerifolium has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include organic extracts.

Organic extracts

1. Pharmacognosy research