Solena amplexicaulis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bryonia solena
• Harlandia bryonioides
• Bryonia amplexicaulis
• Karivia amplexicaulis
• Melothria amplexicaulis
• Cucurbita sagittata
• Bryonia heterophylla
• Zehneria filiformis
• Karivia sinuosa
• Juchia hastata

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 ordered as Cucurbitales and placed in the family Cucurbitaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Solena and the species Solena amplexicauilis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across the various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing within the diverse landscapes of India and its neighboring nation, Bangladesh. Its presence is also notable in the specific state of Assam, contributing to the local biodiversity. Furthermore, the species extends into the rugged terrains of the East Himalaya. Finally, its range reaches as far west as Pakistan, completing its regional footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Solena amplexiadauis is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, occupying diverse montane and sub-montane niches. This species demonstrates significant environmental plasticity, establishing itself within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 400 m AMSL to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests that the plant can adapt to varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture levels found between lowland tropical or subtropical zones and higher-altitude montane ecosystems. Such a vast vertical range allows the species to inhabit a variety of microclimates, potentially ranging from humid forest understories at lower elevations to more exposed, cooler rocky or grassy slopes at higher elevations.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Solena amplexiaucaulis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its biological cycle in a single year but instead establishes a long-term presence in its habitat, often developing robust root systems that facilitate survival through unfavorable environmental periods. This extended lifespan enables the plant to engage in repeated reproductive cycles, contributing to its long-term stability and ability to colonize specific ecological niches over time.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Solena amplexicaulis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and a forb. It exhibits a climbing habit, functioning as an obligatory climber that relies on external structures for support rather than being self-supporting. In terms of its ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial and functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic or epiphytic behavior. Its physical structure is defined by its herbaceous nature, lacking any woody tissue throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Solena amplexicaulis is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that governs its reproductive cycle. The flowering period typically begins in May and continues through the warmer and transitional months, eventually reaching its conclusion in October. This seasonal timing suggests that the plant relies on specific environmental cues to initiate its reproductive phase, ensuring that its floral development aligns with optimal conditions for pollination and subsequent seed production.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Solena amplexicaulis 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. International scholarly research notices

Stem

1. International scholarly research notices

Chemicals

Solena amplexicaulis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4-(4-ethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one, Phytol.

4-(4-ethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one

1. International scholarly research notices

Phytol

1. International scholarly research notices

Conditions

Solena amplexicaulis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Solena amplexicaulis has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extracts of leaf, methanolic extracts of stem, methanolic extracts of tuber parts.

Methanolic extracts of leaf

1. International scholarly research notices

Methanolic extracts of stem

1. International scholarly research notices

Methanolic extracts of tuber parts

1. International scholarly research notices