Rauvolfia micrantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rauvolfia indosinensis
• Rauvolfia membranifolia
• Rauvolfia vietnamensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Rauvolfia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several key regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is notably found in India. Its range extends significantly into the Indo-China region, where it thrives in Cambodia. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout Laos and Thailand. Finally, its geographical reach concludes within the borders of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Rauvolfia micrantha is characterized by its perennial nature and distinct growth architecture, which classifies it primarily as a phanerophyte. This life form indicates that its permanent buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing the plant to persist through varying environmental conditions. Depending on the specific ecological niche and the structural development of its woody components, its life history traits can also be described within the spectrum of nanophanerophytes, reflecting a specialized growth habit where the vegetative structure remains relatively compact yet elevated. As a woody perennial, it focuses its energy on establishing a robust stem system and a deep root network, enabling it to maintain long-term survival in its native habitats.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Rauvolfia micrantha is characterized by its growth habit and structural composition. It functions as a self-supporting climber, possessing the necessary structural integrity to ascend without requiring external hosts for primary support. The plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and is strictly terrestrial in its ecological placement rather than being epiphytic. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a woody nature, developing a firm, lignified stem structure that provides the stability required for its life cycle.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rauvolfia micrantha 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 root.

Root

1. Biotechnology letters

Chemicals

Rauvolfia micrantha has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ajmalicine, ajmaline.

Ajmalicine

1. Biotechnology letters

ajmaline

1. Biotechnology letters

Preparations

Rauvolfia micrantha has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hairy root cultures, normal root cultures.

Hairy root cultures

1. Biotechnology letters

Normal root cultures

1. Biotechnology letters