Telosma cordata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. In East Asia, it is specifically documented to grow throughout Southeast China. Its presence extends significantly into the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be found in Bangladesh and India. Furthermore, the species is recorded in Pakistan, expanding its range across the subcontinent. Finally, it is also known to inhabit the West Himalaya region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Telosma cordata is intrinsically linked to the humid and stable conditions of the Floresta Ombrófila, commonly known as the tropical rainforest or rain forest. Within this biome, the species thrives in environments characterized by high annual precipitation, consistent humidity, and a dense canopy that regulates the microclimate. As a component of this lush ecosystem, it occupies niches where high moisture availability and dappled sunlight facilitate its growth, often integrating into the complex structural layers of the forest. The nutrient cycling within these rainforest soils, driven by rapid organic decomposition, provides the essential substrate required for its development. Consequently, its survival and distribution are closely tied to the high-moisture regimes and the thermal stability inherent to the Ombrófila forest habitat.

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Telosma cordata is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically functioning as a nanophanerophyte, which indicates that its perennating buds are located above the ground level on small woody structures. As an evergreen species, it maintains its foliage throughout the year, ensuring continuous photosynthetic activity regardless of seasonal shifts in temperature or light availability. This stable, perennial growth habit, sustained by its phanerophyte life form, allows the plant to establish a permanent presence within its ecological niche, utilizing its elevated buds to survive unfavorable periods while maintaining a consistent vegetative structure.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Telosma cordata is characterized by a robust, woody growth habit, reaching an average plant height of approximately 6 m. It functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing structural supports to ascend, and maintains a terrestrial life cycle rather than an aquatic or epiphytic existence. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently of host plants, lacking any parasitic tendencies and operating as an independent organism within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Telosma cordata are closely tied to its vegetative morphology and nutrient acquisition strategies. The leaf architecture displays significant variability, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 6.5 cm to a maximum of 9.5 cm, maintaining an average length of approximately 8 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 4 cm and a maximum of 8 cm, contributing to a robust surface area optimized for photosynthetic activity. In terms of nutrient cycling and soil interaction, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than through symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Leaf length max:

9.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

8 cm

Leaf length min:

6.5 cm

Leaf width max:

8 cm

Leaf width min:

4 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Telosma cordata is primarily facilitated through the development of distinct fleshy fruits that emerge following the pollination of its fragrant flowers. These fruits exhibit significant morphological variation in size, with recorded lengths ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 10 cm. On average, the fruit length measures approximately 8.5 cm, serving as the vessel for seed dispersal and the continuation of the species' life cycle.

Fruit length max:

10 cm

Fruit length mean:

8.5 cm

Fruit length min:

7 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Telosma cordata has 39 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, 2,3-Dehydro-1,8-cineole, 2-methyl-hept-2-en-6-one, ALPHA-PINENE, BENZOPHENONE.

1,8-Cineole

1. Dr. Duke

2,3-Dehydro-1,8-cineole

1. Dr. Duke

2-methyl-hept-2-en-6-one

1. Dr. Duke

ALPHA-PINENE

1. Dr. Duke

BENZOPHENONE

1. Dr. Duke

BENZYL BENZOATE

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-PINENE

1. Dr. Duke

C23H48

1. Dr. Duke

C25H52

1. Dr. Duke

CIS-TRANS-FARNESOL

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Telosma cordata has 140 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, Acaricide, Acidulant.

(-)-Chronotropic

1. Dr. Duke

(-)-Inotropic

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acaricide

1. Dr. Duke

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Addictive

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Allelopathic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke