Roylea cinerea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Phlomis calycina
• Ballota cinerea
• Roylea calycina
• Roylea elegans

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Lamiales, and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, the species is categorized under the genus Roylea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. It is widely distributed across various regions of India, where it thrives in specific ecological niches. Additionally, its presence is well-documented throughout the mountainous terrains of Nepal. The species also has a significant presence in the West Himalaya, occupying its unique high-altitude habitats. Together, these locations define the core geographical range of Roylea cinerea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Roylea cinerea is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within montane ecosystems, where it thrives across a significant vertical gradient. This species is typically found inhabiting environments ranging from a minimum elevation of 500 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This elevational range suggests an adaptability to various subtropical and temperate forest zones, allowing it to occupy diverse niches within mountain slopes and hilly terrains. By spanning these altitudes, the plant interacts with varying microclimates, moisture levels, and temperature regimes characteristic of mid-to-high altitude vegetation belts.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Roylea cinerea is characterized by its long-term survival and complex structural growth patterns. As a perennial plant, it maintains its presence in its habitat through multiple growing seasons, demonstrating a persistent lifecycle rather than completing its course within a single year. In terms of its physical architecture and ecological positioning, the species exhibits diverse growth forms, categorized both as a phanerophyte, indicating a plant with branches extending above the ground, and as a nanophanerophyte, which suggests a more compact growth habit where the woody parts are relatively short. This combination of life forms allows the plant to navigate its specific environmental niches effectively throughout its perennial lifespan.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Roylea cinerea is characterized by its distinct growth form and structural habits. This plant presents as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and perennial nature. In terms of its climbing habit, it functions as a self-supporting climber, manifesting as a liana or vine that possesses the structural integrity to maintain its position. It is classified as a self-supporting, facultative climber rather than an obligatory one, allowing for flexibility in its upward movement. Furthermore, Roylea cinerea is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it follows a terrestrial life cycle, growing in soil rather than as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Roylea cinerea is characterized by a prolonged flowering period that allows for extensive reproductive activity throughout much of the year. The flowering cycle typically begins around April, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. Following this initiation, the plant maintains its floral display for several months, with the flowering period reaching its conclusion in October. Because the onset and duration can be influenced by environmental conditions, the specific timing of these stages can be variable, though they generally fall within this seasonal window.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Roylea cinerea has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, Flavonoids, Glycosides, PRECALYONE, Phenols.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Glycosides

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

PRECALYONE

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Phenols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Saponins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Steroids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

atrazine

1. Scientific reports

Activities

Roylea cinerea has 13 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antidiabetic, Antifeedant, Antiflu.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antidiabetic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

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

Conditions

Roylea cinerea has 10 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antioxidant, contusions.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Contusions

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Jaundice

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Liver diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Skin diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology