large-leaved lime

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• big-leaved linden
• large-leaved linden
• Large-Leaved Lime
• big-leaf linden
• broadleaf lime
• large-leaf lime
• large-leaf linden
• linden

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Tilia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in Denmark and the United Kingdom. It can also be found naturally throughout the landscape of Ireland. Further north, the species extends its range into Sweden. Finally, its geographical reach includes parts of Middle Europe, specifically within Austria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tilia platyphyllos is characterized by its preference for forest environments, where it typically integrates into the canopy structure of deciduous woodland ecosystems. This species thrives within these forested habitats, benefiting from the specific microclimates, soil moisture levels, and nutrient cycles provided by established tree communities. Regarding its altitudinal distribution, the plant exhibits a notable presence at higher altitudes, with a mean elevational range centered around 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range mean:

1800 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest

Life history

The life history of Tilia platyphyllos is characterized by its existence as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its habitat. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody branches, a structural adaptation that enables it to achieve significant height and withstand various environmental conditions. The species exhibits a deciduous growth habit, meaning it sheds its foliage annually in response to seasonal changes, typically entering a period of dormancy during the colder months before regrowing its leaves in the spring. This combination of a perennial lifecycle, a phanerophyte life form, and deciduousness defines its biological strategy for long-term survival and seasonal adaptation.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tilia platyphyllos is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. This species is a self-supporting, independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. Reaching significant stature, the plant typically grows to a mean height of 30 m, with an observed height range spanning from a minimum of 25 m to a maximum of 40 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

40 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Plant height min:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Tilia platiphyllos is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying entirely on autotrophic processes and soil-derived nutrients. Its morphological and structural physiological traits include a mean leaf size of approximately 60.3425 cm², which, when paired with a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 269.92 cm²/g, reflects its capacity for light interception and gas exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the structural integrity and biomass distribution of the species are supported by a mean stem specific density (SSD) of 490 mg/cm³.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

60.3425 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

269.92 cm²/g

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

490 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Tilia platyphyllos is a complex biological process primarily driven by sexual means, as asexual reproduction is absent. The flowering period typically commences in June and concludes in July. During this window, the plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Successful fertilization is dependent on these external agents, as self-fertilization is noted to be absent. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruit categorized as an achene. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents. The seeds produced vary significantly in size, with a minimum mass of 0.0081 g, a mean mass of 0.084475 g, and a maximum mass of 0.17 g. Once mature, the seeds are distributed via an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, utilizing wind as the primary mechanism to spread the progeny across the landscape.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit type :

achene

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.17 g

Seed mass mean:

0.084475 g

Seed mass min:

0.0081 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Tilia platyphyllos has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Leaf

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Chemicals

Tilia platyphyllos has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Coumarins, Flavonoid, Fraxin.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Phytochemistry

Coumarins

1. Phytochemistry

Flavonoid

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Fraxin

1. Phytochemistry

Procyanidins

1. Phytochemistry

Steroids

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Tannins

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

catechins

1. Phytochemistry

kaempferol

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Tilia platyphyllos has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Sedative, Tranquilizer.

Sedative

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Tranquilizer

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Conditions

Tilia platyphyllos has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include alcoholic liver disease, influenza A virus, mental disorders.

Alcoholic liver disease

1. Current drug metabolism

Influenza a virus

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Mental disorders

1. Frontiers in pharmacology