alternate-leaved crape jasmine

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• alternate-leaved crape jasmine

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ervatamia heyneana
• Pagiantha heyneana
• Tabernaemontana intercedens
• Tabernaemontana oblonga
• Pagiantha crispa
• Ervatamia alternifolia
• Tabernaemontana crispa
• Tabernaemontana heyneana

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. It is further identified by its genus, Tabernaemontana, specifically as the species Tabernaemontana alternifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Tabernaemontana alternifolia, exhibits a specific and localized geographical range. Its presence is primarily concentrated within the vast expanse of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this massive region, the species is specifically documented to grow in India. This limited distribution suggests that the plant thrives under the particular environmental conditions found in these tropical areas. Consequently, its natural habitat remains closely tied to the diverse ecosystems of the Indian landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Tabernaemontana alternifolia is characterized by its distinct growth strategies and structural classifications within its ecological niche. Primarily, this species functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its photosynthetic organs on elevated branches above the soil surface to maximize light interception in its native habitats. Depending on environmental conditions and specific developmental stages, its growth habit can also be described through the lens of nanophanerophyte characteristics, reflecting a compact structural organization where the persistent buds are located just above the ground level. This dual capacity for phanerophytic development allows the plant to establish a robust perennial presence, while its physiological adaptations ensure survival through seasonal transitions by managing its bud placement and stem architecture effectively.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Tabernaemontana alternifolia is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests as a tree. This species functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being epiphytic. In terms of its climbing habits, the plant exhibits a self-supporting nature, capable of functioning as a liana, vine, or self-supporting structure, and it demonstrates a self-supporting growth pattern rather than being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Tabernaemontana alternifolia 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. Planta medica

Chemicals

Tabernaemontana alternifolia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CORONARIDINE, CORONARIDINE HYDROXYINDOLENINE, Ervatine, Tabersonine, Voacristine.

CORONARIDINE

1. Planta medica

CORONARIDINE HYDROXYINDOLENINE

1. Planta medica

Ervatine

1. Planta medica

Tabersonine

1. Planta medica

Voacristine

1. Planta medica

Voacristine hydroxyindolenine

1. Planta medica

heyneanine

1. Planta medica