Scaphium scaphigerum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range primarily concentrated within South and Southeast Asia. In the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is noted in the regions of Assam and Bangladesh. Its distribution extends further into the Indo-China peninsula, where it can be found in Cambodia. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Laos. Finally, its habitat includes the tropical landscapes of Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Scaphium japonicum is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its natural habitat. As an evergreen species, it maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing continuous photosynthetic activity and structural stability across varying seasonal shifts.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Scaphium scaphigerum is characterized by its stature as a substantial tree with a woody constitution. This species exhibits a robust growth form, reaching a mean plant height of approximately 30 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 36 m. Unlike climbing species, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant, maintaining its structural integrity through its woody development rather than relying on external supports.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

36 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Scaphium scaphigerum is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies typical of tropical forest canopy species. As a woody angiosperm, its primary physiological functions involve complex photosynthetic pathways to support rapid growth and the production of large, specialized seeds. Regarding its symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules required for the biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, meaning it must rely on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its extensive root system. Its physiological efficiency is heavily dependent on the availability of organic matter decomposition and the subsequent release of nitrogenous compounds in its native ecosystem to sustain its structural development and reproductive cycles.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Scaphium scaphigerum 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Scaphium scaphigerum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits.

Fruits

1. Natural product research