Stephania yunnanensis

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 and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Ranunculales and falls into the family Menispermaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Stephania.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Stephanania yunnanensis, exhibits a specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the regions of South-Central China. Within this territory, the species thrives in specific ecological niches characteristic of the southern landscape. Because its distribution is limited to this particular area, it is considered a regional component of the local flora. Consequently, understanding its presence in South-Central China is essential for studying its natural environment.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stephanotis yunnanensis is characterized by a complex growth pattern where its vegetative state can fluctuate between being deciduous, evergreen, or variable depending on environmental conditions and seasonal shifts. As a perennial species, it undergoes distinct developmental stages, transitioning from initial germination in moist, shaded habitats to a more robust climbing or spreading habit. During periods of environmental stress or specific seasonal cycles, the plant may exhibit deciduousness, shedding its foliage to conserve resources, whereas in more stable or favorable climates, it maintains an evergreen appearance. This variability in leaf retention plays a crucial role in its ability to adapt to the fluctuating moisture levels and temperature gradients found in its natural ecological niche, allowing it to optimize its metabolic activities and reproductive cycles throughout its lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Morphology

The morphology of Stephanotis yunnanensis is characterized by its climbing or scandent growth habit, exhibiting a variable degree of woodiness that ranges from non-woody to woody depending on the stage of development and environmental conditions. The stems are typically slender and flexible, often utilizing twining mechanisms to ascend surrounding vegetation. The leaves are generally arranged oppositely or in whorls, possessing an elliptical to lanceolate shape with entire margins and acute or acuminate apices. The inflorescence is typically composed of small, actinomorphic flowers that may appear in cymes or solitary axillary clusters. The floral structure features a tubular corolla that expands into distinct lobes, often presenting a delicate texture. The reproductive organs consist of stamens inserted within the corolla tube and a central ovary that develops into a characteristic fruit type, contributing to the overall structural complexity of the plant's vegetative and reproductive architecture.

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Root

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Stephania yunnanensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aporphine, Crebanine.

Aporphine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Crebanine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)