Indian willow

Salix tetrasperma · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Indian willow, scientifically known as Salix tetrasperma, is a versatile medicinal shrub valued for its therapeutic properties. Rich in salicin, it has been traditionally used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and treat fevers. This resilient plant offers significant botanical interest for its bioactive compounds and potential in modern pharmacology.

Family
Salicaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Indian Willow
Scientific synonyms
Pleiarina Tetrasperma Var. Ichnostachya · Salix Tetrasperma Var. Nilagirica · 53 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Salix tetrasperma

Synonyms

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Salicaeceae within the genus Salix.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Malpighiales
Family Salicaceae
Genus Salix

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range spanning across multiple distinct regions. In Northern Africa, its presence is specifically documented within Egypt. Moving to Asia, it is widely distributed throughout various parts of China. Its Chinese habitat includes the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Additionally, the species can be found growing on the island of Hainan.

Region Area
Northern Africa Egypt
China China South-Central
China Hainan
China China North-Central
China China Southeast
China Tibet
Eastern Asia Taiwan
Indian Subcontinent Assam
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Salix tetrasperma is characterized by its preference for riparian environments, specifically thriving in habitats located along rivers. This species occupies a distinct altitudinal niche within its ecosystem, with its distribution spanning a significant vertical gradient. It is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 900 m AMSL to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL, maintaining a mean elevation of approximately 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:
2000 m AMSL
Elevational range mean:
1800 m AMSL
Elevational range min:
900 m AMSL
Habitat :
rivers

Life history

The life history of Salix tetrasperma is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, meaning it lives for multiple years and undergoes continuous growth cycles throughout its existence. As a long-lived woody plant, it establishes a persistent presence in its habitat, often forming stable populations through repeated seasonal growth. Its life cycle involves a predictable rhythm of vegetative development and reproductive phases, where the plant survives periods of dormancy to emerge and expand its biomass annually. This perennial strategy allows the species to invest significant energy into robust root systems and structural longevity, facilitating its ability to persist in specific ecological niches over many successive growing seasons.

Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Salix tetrasperma is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean height of 17 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 25 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing tendencies such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial in its growth habit. The plant is biologically independent, showing no parasitic behavior, and maintains a consistent woody structure throughout its development.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
tree
Parasite :
independent
Plant height max:
25 m
Plant height mean:
17 m
Woodiness :
woody

Physiology

The physiology of Salix tetrasperma is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. Its vegetative development is reflected in its leaf morphology, where leaf length typically maintains a mean value of 10 cm, ranging from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 16 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width exhibits significant variability, with a mean width of 3.5 cm, fluctuating between a minimum of 2.5 cm and a maximum of 4.5 cm.

Leaf length max:
16 cm
Leaf length mean:
10 cm
Leaf length min:
6 cm
Leaf width max:
4.5 cm
Leaf width mean:
3.5 cm
Leaf width min:
2.5 cm
Photosynthetic pathway :
C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Salix tetrasperma is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of small, lightweight fruits and seeds. The flowering period typically commences in March and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable across different cycles. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits that generally measure an average of 0.9 cm in length, with dimensions ranging from a minimum of 0.7 cm to a maximum of 1 cm. The resulting seeds are extremely uniform in weight, maintaining a consistent mass of 0.04545 g, which serves as both the mean, minimum, and maximum value recorded for the species.

Flowering time :
Mar
Flowering time :
Apr
Fruit length max:
1 cm
Fruit length mean:
0.9 cm
Fruit length min:
0.7 cm
Seed mass mean:
0.04545 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Salix tetrasperma has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include uridine.

Chemicals reported in Salix tetrasperma
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
uridine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

uridine

  1. Neurochemistry international

Conditions

Salix tetrasperma has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress.

Conditions investigated for Salix tetrasperma
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Parkinson's disease 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Oxidative stress 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Parkinson's disease

  1. Neurochemistry international

Oxidative stress

  1. Neurochemistry international