Stemona aphylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Pandanales. Finally, it is a member of the family Stemonaeae and falls under the genus Stemona.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Stemona aphylla, possesses a specific geographical range within Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the Indo-China region. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the tropical landscapes of Thailand. This limited distribution highlights the particular environmental requirements needed for its survival. Consequently, understanding its presence in these specific areas is essential for botanical research.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stemona aphylla is characterized by its specialized survival strategies, specifically categorized under the life forms of geophyte and cryptophyte. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to persist through seasonal shifts by retreating to its subterranean structures. This classification as a cryptophyte further defines its biological strategy, indicating that its perennating buds are located below the soil surface, protected from external stressors such as extreme temperatures or desiccation. This combination of traits ensures a resilient life cycle where the plant can effectively navigate periods of dormancy and rapid regrowth when favorable conditions return.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Stemona aphylla is characterized by its specialized growth habit, functioning as a self-supporting climber that utilizes surrounding structures for vertical ascent. It does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining an independent physiological existence without deriving nutrients from a host plant. Furthermore, rather than being an epiphyte, the plant maintains a terrestrial lifestyle, rooting itself firmly in the soil to support its development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Stemona aphylla 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 root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Stemona aphylla has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (11Z)-1',2'-didehydrostemofoline, (2'S)-Hydroxystemofoline, Stemaphylline N-oxide, Stemofoline, stemaphylline.

(11Z)-1',2'-didehydrostemofoline

1. Journal of natural products

(2'S)-Hydroxystemofoline

1. Journal of natural products

Stemaphylline N-oxide

1. Journal of natural products

Stemofoline

1. Journal of natural products

stemaphylline

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Stemona aphylla has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude dichloromethane extract, root extract.

Crude dichloromethane extract

1. Journal of natural products

Root extract

1. Journal of natural products