Styrax agrestis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Styrax annamensis
• Cyrta agrestis

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 Ericales, it is classified under the family Styracaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Styrax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Styrax agrestis, exhibits a specific and limited range within Southeast Asia. Its geographical presence is primarily concentrated within the Indo-China region. Specifically, this medicinal species can be found growing in the natural habitats of Laos. Additionally, its distribution extends into the various landscapes of Vietnam. Consequently, its known wild occurrence is restricted to these two particular countries.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Styrax agrestis is characterized by its specific distribution across varying altitudinal gradients, primarily occupying lowland to mid-elevation habitats. This species is typically found within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 50 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 700 m AMSL. Throughout its natural range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 375 m AMSL, indicating a preference for these intermediate subtropical or tropical lowland zones. This altitudinal positioning influences the environmental conditions, such as temperature and moisture availability, that define its primary ecological niche.

Elevational range max:

700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

375 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

50 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Styrax agrestis is characterized by its growth form as a tree, manifesting a robust and stable structural habit. It possesses a woody constitution, featuring the characteristic lignified tissues associated with perennial arboreal species. While it functions as a tree, its developmental pattern is also defined by its climbing tendencies, specifically acting as a self-supporting climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Styrax agrestis is characterized by the development of distinct fruit structures that vary in size within the population. These fruits exhibit a measurable range in length, with the smallest specimens reaching a minimum of 1.2 cm. On average, the fruit length is recorded at a mean of 2.1 cm, while the most substantial development can reach a maximum length of 3 cm. This variation in fruit dimensions plays a key role in the plant's reproductive cycle and subsequent seed dispersal mechanisms.

Fruit length max:

3 cm

Fruit length mean:

2.1 cm

Fruit length min:

1.2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Styrax agrestis 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Styrax agrestis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-Demethoxyegonol Oleate, Egonol-9(Z),12(Z)-Linoleate.

7-Demethoxyegonol Oleate

1. Journal of natural products

Egonol-9(Z),12(Z)-Linoleate

1. Journal of natural products