alternate-leaved crape jasmine
Tabernaemontana alternifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alternate-leaved crapé jasmine, scientifically known as Tabernaemontana alternifolia, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its striking white flowers, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Its various parts are traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammation, wounds, and various ailments through bioactive compounds.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Fruit
- Common names
- Alternate-Leaved Crape Jasmine
- Scientific synonyms
- Ervatamia Heyneana · Pagiantha Heyneana · 6 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- alternate-leaved crape jasmine
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Tabernaemontana alternifoliaSynonyms
- 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.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Tabernaemontana |
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.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
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.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Fruit
- 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.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| CORONARIDINE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CORONARIDINE HYDROXYINDOLENINE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ervatine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tabersonine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Voacristine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Voacristine hydroxyindolenine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heyneanine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
CORONARIDINE
- Planta medica
CORONARIDINE HYDROXYINDOLENINE
- Planta medica
Ervatine
- Planta medica
Tabersonine
- Planta medica
Voacristine
- Planta medica
Voacristine hydroxyindolenine
- Planta medica
heyneanine
- Planta medica