Smilax binchuanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Heterosmilax yunnanensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Smilax binchuanensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Liliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Smilacaceae and the genus Smilax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Smilax binchuanensis, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. It is native to the East Asian region, specifically within the borders of China. More narrowly, its presence is concentrated in the South-Central part of the country. Within these specific provinces, the species finds the particular environmental conditions necessary for its growth. Consequently, its distribution is defined by this singular, localized territory in China.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Smilax binchuanenensis is characterized by its distribution across a significant altitudinal gradient, typically inhabiting montane environments. This species thrives within a broad elevational range that begins at a minimum altitude of 700 m AMSL and extends to a maximum elevation of 2400 m AMSL. Throughout its natural habitat, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 1550 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-to-high altitude ecosystems where specific temperature and moisture regimes are maintained.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1550 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Smilax binchuanenensis is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its natural habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle within a single year like annuals or two years like biennials; instead, it maintains a continuous presence, often developing robust underground structures that facilitate long-term survival and regrowth. This extended lifecycle enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem, contributing to the long-term stability of its community through repeated seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproduction.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Smilax binchuanensis is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily presenting as a shrub. While it exhibits characteristics of a shrub, it also functions as a self-supporting climber. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial life habit rather than being an epiphyte. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its growth pattern.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of the foliage in Smilax binchuanensis exhibit significant morphological variability, particularly regarding the dimensions of its laminar structures. The leaf length displays a broad range of development, with minimum measurements recorded at 6 cm and a mean length of approximately 11 cm, reaching a maximum capacity of 16 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation is a substantial breadth in leaf width, which fluctuates from a minimum of 4.5 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. This wide distribution in leaf surface area suggests a physiological adaptability to varying light interception requirements and moisture retention strategies within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

16 cm

Leaf length mean:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

15 cm

Leaf width min:

4.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Smilax binchuanensis is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. The fruit length within a population varies, with a minimum measurement of 0.5 cm and a maximum reaching up to 1 cm, while the mean fruit length is recorded at 0.75 cm. Similarly, the fruit width shows measurable variation, ranging from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 0.8 cm, with an average width of 0.7 cm. These dimensional traits define the physical profile of the fruit during its reproductive stage.

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.75 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.7 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Smilax binchuanensis 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 rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Smilax binchuanensis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-Hydroxymethyl furaldehyde, BETA-SITOSTEROL, DIOSGENIN, Daucosterol, Glycerol monopalmitate.

5-Hydroxymethyl furaldehyde

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

DIOSGENIN

1. BMC biochemistry

Daucosterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Glycerol monopalmitate

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

HEXACOSANOIC ACID

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Liquiritigenin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Ursolic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Preparations

Smilax binchuanensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dried rhizomes.

Dried rhizomes

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica