Sambucus javanica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. In Western Asia, it can be found growing within the borders of Afghanistan. Its presence in China is extensive, spanning from the North-Central provinces to the Southeast. Additionally, the species is located throughout the South-Central regions of the country. Finally, its range extends to the island province of Hainan, completing its diverse territorial spread.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sambucus javanica is characterized by its presence in specific montane environments, where it thrives within a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found inhabiting elevations ranging from a minimum of 600 m AMSL to a maximum of 2200 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant adapts to varying environmental conditions, including shifts in temperature, moisture availability, and atmospheric pressure associated with increasing altitude. Its distribution within these mid-to-high elevation zones suggests a specialized niche that relies on the distinct microclimates provided by these mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Sambucus javaica is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive shoots are elevated well above the ground, a structural trait that defines its growth habit within its ecosystem. The plant exhibits a deciduous nature, meaning it undergoes a seasonal shedding of its foliage in response to environmental changes. Throughout its life cycle, it maintains its status as a phanerophyte, utilizing its elevated stem structure to navigate its habitat and support its developmental stages.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sambucus javaica is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, typically reaching an average plant height of approximately 2 meters. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than an epiphyte or a climber, meaning it does not require external structures like lianas or vines for support. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, providing a robust, upright habit consistent with its classification as a self-supporting shrub.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sambucus javanica is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward growth in various environmental conditions, though it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships required for atmospheric nitrogen assimilation. Specifically, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess the biological mechanisms or rhizobial associations necessary to convert gaseous nitrogen into ammonia; instead, it relies entirely on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system. Its physiological functions include efficient photosynthetic pathways to convert solar energy into chemical energy and a robust secondary metabolism capable of synthesizing bioactive compounds for defense and structural integrity. Nutrient acquisition is managed through active transport mechanisms within the roots, which are essential for maintaining the cellular homeostasis and enzymatic activities required for its development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Sambucus javanica is characterized by biotic pollination syndromes, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The plant produces fleshy fruits, which typically serve as a mechanism for seed dispersal. The seeds produced are highly uniform in size and weight, featuring a mean seed mass of 0.00102 g (with both minimum and maximum values recorded at 0.00102 g) and a consistent seed volume of 0.91 mm³ (where the minimum, maximum, and mean volumes are all 0.91 mm³).

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.00102 g

Seed volume max:

0.91 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sambucus javanica has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf.

Fruit

1. Tropical life sciences research

Leaf

1. Tropical life sciences research

Conditions

Sambucus javanica has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation, aplastic anemia, edema, rheumatism, wounds.

Inflammation

1. Frontiers in plant science
2. Tropical life sciences research

Aplastic anemia

1. Tropical life sciences research

Edema

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatism

1. Frontiers in plant science

Wounds

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology