Quercus semecarpifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions of Asia. In Western Asia, it can be found growing within the territory of Afghanistan. Its range extends into China, specifically inhabiting the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Within the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in Assam and throughout the East Himalaya region. Finally, its presence is also well-established in the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Quercus semecarpifolia is characterized by its adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is primarily found in mountainous regions, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 2000 m AMSL to a maximum of 3800 m AMSL. Such a distribution suggests a high tolerance for the cooler temperatures and varying atmospheric pressures typical of mid-to-high montane ecosystems. Its presence within these specific altitudinal bands dictates its interaction with local climatic patterns, soil compositions, and associated biotic communities found in these alpine and sub-alpine zones.

Elevational range max:

3800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Quercus semecarpifolia is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist through many growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its reproductive buds high above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that protects these vital organs from seasonal environmental stressors. This phanerophyte life form ensures that the plant can achieve significant height and structural complexity, contributing to the stability of its habitat over an extended lifespan.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Quercus semeacarpifolia is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily developing as a woody tree. Unlike climbing species, it does not exhibit any clambering habits, such as being a liana, vine, or self-supporting climber, nor does it function as an obligatory or facultative climber. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than growing as an epiphyte. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary strength for its tree-like stature.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Quercus semecarpifolia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic process common to many temperate woody species that relies on the initial fixation of carbon dioxide by the enzyme RuBisCO. In terms of its structural and mechanical properties, the plant exhibits a significant stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 966 mg/cm³, indicating a high degree of wood density which contributes to its structural integrity and resistance to mechanical stress.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

966 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Quercus semecarpifolia is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of substantial seeds. The flowering period typically commences in May and reaches its conclusion in June, representing a concentrated reproductive phase during the late spring and early summer months. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds with a highly consistent mass profile; the seed mass exhibits minimal variation, with a recorded minimum of 7.1428 g, a mean of 7.1429 g, and a maximum of 7.143 g. This uniformity in seed size suggests a stable energetic investment per reproductive unit during its maturation process.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

7.143 g

Seed mass mean:

7.1429 g

Seed mass min:

7.1428 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Quercus semecarpifolia 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. IET nanobiotechnology

Preparations

Quercus semecarpifolia has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extract, aqueous leaf extract, methanolic extracts.

Aqueous extract

1. IET nanobiotechnology

Aqueous leaf extract

1. IET nanobiotechnology

Methanolic extracts

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)