Trichopus zeylanicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Steireya cordata
• Steireya angustifolia
• Trichopodium zeylanicum
• Trichopodium angustifolium
• Steireya media
• Trichopus zeylanicus subsp. angustifolius
• Podianthus arifolius
• Trichopus zeylanicus var. angustifolius
• Trichopus zeylanicus var. cordatus
• Trichopus zeylanicus var. intermedius
• Trichopus zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus
• Trichopodium cordatum
• Trichopodium intermedium
• Trichopodium travancoricum
• Trichopus malayanus

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 falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales, specifically within the family Dioscoreaceae. Taxonomically, it is identified by the genus Trichopus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its range extends further into the Indo-China region, specifically documented in Thailand. Additionally, the species is present within the Malesia zone, particularly in Malaya. These diverse locations highlight its ability to thrive in various tropical environments across the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Trichopus zeylanicus is characterized by its specialized survival strategies within its native forest habitats, specifically defined by its classification as both a geophyte and a cryptophyte. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs to persist through unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to remain dormant and emerge when optimal growing seasons return. This strategy is further supported by its life form as a cryptophyte, meaning its vital regenerative buds are protected beneath the soil surface or within organic debris, shielding them from external stressors such as herbivory or seasonal fluctuations. This combination of traits ensures that the plant can effectively navigate the lifecycle of seasonal shifts, maintaining a presence in its ecological niche through subterranean resilience.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Trichopus zeylanicus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 0.3 m. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite and is classified as a terrestrial plant. Although it exhibits characteristics of a climber, it is specifically described as self-supporting in its growth habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Trichopus zeylanicus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Inflammopharmacology

Chemicals

Trichopus zeylanicus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CORTICOSTERONE.

CORTICOSTERONE

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Activities

Trichopus zeylanicus has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Aphrodisiac.

Aphrodisiac

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Trichopus zeylanicus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include aging.

Aging

1. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology

Preparations

Trichopus zeylanicus has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous leaves' extract, extracts, preparations.

Aqueous leaves' extract

1. Inflammopharmacology

Extracts

1. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology

Preparations

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR