Stephania epigaea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Stephania epigaea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Menispermaceae and falls under the genus Stephania.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Stephania epigaea, possesses a specific and limited geographical range. Its presence is primarily concentrated within the regional landscapes of China. More specifically, the species is found throughout the South-Central portion of the country. This localized distribution suggests that the plant thrives under the particular environmental conditions unique to that area. Consequently, understanding these specific habitats is essential for the study of its natural ecology.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stephania epigaea is characterized by a growth pattern that exhibits variable degrees of leaf retention depending on environmental conditions and seasonal shifts. While the plant can demonstrate evergreen tendencies in stable, moisture-rich habitats, its phenology frequently leans toward a deciduous nature, where it sheds its foliage in response to dry periods or temperature fluctuations. This variable deciduousness allows the species to enter periods of relative dormancy, conserving resources during unfavorable cycles before initiating new vegetative growth. Throughout its life cycle, the plant navigates these transitions between being evergreen and deciduous, adapting its physiological state to optimize survival within its specific ecological niche.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Morphology

The morphology of Stephania epigaea is characterized by a sprawling or climbing growth habit, typically presenting as a herbaceous or subshrubby vine. In terms of its structural composition, the plant is classified as non-woody, lacking a permanent, thickened woody stem, which allows it to remain flexible as it traverses through surrounding vegetation. Its stems are relatively slender and can be described as succulent or herbaceous in nature, facilitating rapid growth in its natural habitat. The foliage typically consists of simple leaves, while the reproductive structures emerge from the axils or terminal ends, following the characteristic patterns of the Menispermaceae family.

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Stephania epigaea has 3 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, flower, stem.

Root

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2. Fitoterapia

Flower

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Stem

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Chemicals

Stephania epigaea has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aknadinine, Cephakicine, Dehydrodicentrine, Dicentrine, Homostephanoline.

Aknadinine

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Cephakicine

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Dehydrodicentrine

1. Fitoterapia

Dicentrine

1. Fitoterapia

Homostephanoline

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

N-Methylcalycinine

1. Fitoterapia

N-Methyllaurotetanine

1. Fitoterapia

N-Methylliriodendronine

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Pronuciferine

1. Fitoterapia

romerine

1. Fitoterapia