Stemodia viscosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Stemodiacra viscosa
• Stemodia pedicellaris
• Stemodia viscosa var. grandiflora

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Plantaginaeceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Stemodia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Stemodia viscosa, exhibits a specific distribution across the Indian Subcontinent. Its presence is documented within the diverse landscapes of India, where it thrives in various ecological niches. Furthermore, the species can be found growing in the state of Assam, representing its reach in the northeastern region. Beyond the mainland, its geographical range extends to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Together, these locations define the primary natural habitat for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stemodia viscosa is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, completing its entire developmental cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. This rapid lifecycle allows the species to exploit favorable environmental conditions effectively, often establishing itself in disturbed or open habitats where it can quickly mature. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes a series of predictable stages, beginning with the emergence of seedlings that develop into a sticky, glandular-haired vegetative structure. As the season progresses, the plant allocates its energy toward reproductive development, culminating in the flowering phase. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds, which serve as the primary mechanism for dispersal and ensuring the survival of the next generation before the parent plant senesces at the end of its annual cycle.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Stemodia viscosa is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that exhibits a self-supporting habit rather than acting as a climber. The plant is independent in its nutritional requirements, functioning as a non-parasitic organism. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 1 m. Regarding its habitat and ecological niche, the species displays versatility in its moisture requirements, occurring in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Stemodia viscosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Phenols.

Flavonoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Phenols

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Activities

Stemodia viscosa has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative, Apoptotic.

Antimicrobial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antiproliferative

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Apoptotic

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Medicinal Uses

Stemodia viscosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations