buff hazelwood

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• buff hazelwood
• large-flower hazelwood
• white hazelwood

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dicalix cochinchinensis

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 categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Symplocaceae and falls under the genus Symplocos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. Within China, its presence is documented in the South-Central provinces as well as the Southeast regions. It also thrives in the tropical environment of Hainan and the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving beyond mainland China, the species extends its range into the islands of Japan. Together, these locations highlight the diverse ecological habitats inhabited by Symplocos cochinchinensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Symplocos cochinchinensis is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as the species is documented to exist within a precise elevational range. This plant is found exclusively at an elevation of 1500 m AMSL, representing a narrow vertical distribution that suggests a specialized adaptation to the environmental conditions found at this specific height. Such a restricted elevational profile implies that the species is sensitive to the temperature gradients, atmospheric pressure, and moisture levels unique to this mid-to-high altitude zone, potentially limiting its occurrence to specific montane or sub-montane ecological niches where these parameters remain stable.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Symplocos cochinchinensis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated stems or branches well above the ground level, a structural adaptation that defines its growth habit. Furthermore, it exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally, ensuring continuous physiological activity and stability within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Symplocos cochinchinensis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 20 m, with a maximum height potential of up to 18 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant is an independent organism that does not act as a parasite, functioning through its own metabolic processes. In terms of its structural habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, meaning it possesses the necessary woodiness and structural integrity to stand upright without the need to be a liana, vine, or climbing entity.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Symplocos cochinchinensis is characterized by specific structural and metabolic properties that influence its growth and resource acquisition. In terms of its anatomical composition, the plant exhibits a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 626 mg/cm³, a metric that reflects the wood's structural integrity and its capacity for nutrient and water transport. Furthermore, regarding its nitrogen metabolism and symbiotic capabilities, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess the biological mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form through symbiotic associations.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

626 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Symplocos cochinchiensis is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by insects, with a specific reliance on bees for the transfer of pollen. The plant is capable of self-fertilization, ensuring reproductive success under various environmental conditions. The resulting fruits are fleshy in nature, serving as the vessel for its progeny. The seeds produced are uniform in size, maintaining a consistent seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of 75 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed volume max:

75 mm³

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Symplocos cochinchinensis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE, OLEANOLIC ACID.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. PloS one

CALCIUM

1. PloS one

MAGNESIUM

1. PloS one

MANGANESE

1. PloS one

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. PloS one

POTASSIUM

1. PloS one

SODIUM

1. PloS one

ZINC

1. PloS one

Activities

Symplocos cochinchinensis has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antiglycation, Antihyperglycemic.

Antidiabetic

1. PloS one

Antiglycation

1. PloS one

Antihyperglycemic

1. PloS one

Conditions

Symplocos cochinchinensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia

1. PloS one

Preparations

Symplocos cochinchinensis has 5 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 'Niisakathakadi', 70% EtOH extract, Niisakathakadi Kashayam, ethanol extract, hydroethanol extract.

'niisakathakadi'

1. PloS one

70% etoh extract

1. Scientific reports

Niisakathakadi kashayam

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ethanol extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hydroethanol extract

1. Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie