Shirakiopsis indica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Excoecaria diversifolia
• Excoecaria indica
• Stillingia indica
• Stillingia diversifolia
• Shirakia indica
• Sapium indicum
• Sapium hurmais
• Sapium diversifolium
• Sapium bingyricum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Shirakiopsis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is specifically found in the Southeast part of the country. Its presence is also well-established across the Indian Subcontinent, where it grows in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the species extends into the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting the Andaman Islands. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species can be found.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Shirakiopsis indica is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form in which the perennating buds are borne on aerial branches well above the ground. Within this category, it can be specifically identified as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating its growth habit as a perennial shrub or small tree that maintains its regenerative structures high on its woody stems to survive seasonal environmental fluctuations. This life strategy allows the plant to persist through various climatic cycles by protecting its vital meristematic tissues above the soil surface, ensuring long-term survival and continuous growth within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Schleichera indica (often associated with the described characteristics) is defined by its robust growth form as a large, woody tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 18 m. This species is characterized by its terrestrial habit, existing as an independent organism rather than as a parasite or an epiphyte. Unlike climbing plants or lianas, it is strictly self-supporting and does not exhibit vine-like or obligate climbing behaviors. Its structural integrity is derived from its woody nature, allowing it to maintain its stature within terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from purely terrestrial to semiaquatic environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Shirakiopsis indica is facilitated through the production of seeds, which serve as the primary unit for dispersal and the initiation of new growth. The seeds of this species exhibit a highly consistent physical profile, characterized by a uniform seed mass across observed samples. Specifically, the seed mass is recorded with a mean value of 5.555 g, a figure that is mirrored by both the maximum and minimum recorded mass of 5.555 g. This lack of variance in seed mass indicates a highly standardized reproductive output, suggesting that each seed produced by the plant maintains a consistent weight and nutrient allocation of 5.555 g, which is critical for its establishment and survival in its natural habitat.

Seed mass mean:

5.555 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Shirakiopsis indica has 1 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.

Fruit

1. Journal of inflammation research
2. Journal of natural products

Activities

Shirakiopsis indica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant.

Analgesic

1. Journal of inflammation research

Antioxidant

1. Journal of inflammation research

Conditions

Shirakiopsis indica has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include HIV, Inflammation, analgesic, anti-oxidant, hemolysis.

Hiv

1. Journal of natural products

Inflammation

1. Journal of inflammation research

Analgesic

1. Journal of inflammation research

Anti-oxidant

1. Journal of inflammation research

Hemolysis

1. Journal of inflammation research

Protein denaturation

1. Journal of inflammation research

Preparations

Shirakiopsis indica has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits, saps/latex.

Fruits

1. Journal of natural products

Saps/latex

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology