Uncaria attenuata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nauclea attenuata
• Uruparia attenuata
• Uncaria bulusanensis
• Uncaria athemiata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Uncaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several key regions across Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is documented in Thailand and the Andaman Islands. Moving into the Malesia zone, the species is widely distributed across the island of Borneo. It is also found throughout the Malay Peninsula, which is commonly referred to as Malaya. Furthermore, its habitat extends to the island of Jawa, completing its regional range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uncaria attenuata is characterized by its status as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within the classification of phanerophytes, it specifically functions as a phanerophyte, utilizing its climbing and woody structure to navigate its tropical environment. As a perennial woody climber, its life cycle involves the development of robust, climbing vines that seek sunlight within the forest canopy, ensuring its reproductive structures and dormant buds remain protected from surface-level disturbances. This life form allows the plant to persist through seasonal shifts, maintaining a stable presence in its ecosystem by investing in long-term structural growth.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Uncaria attenuata is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend toward light within its ecosystem. It functions as a terrestrial organism, maintaining its primary biological footing in the soil rather than living as an epiphyte. Unlike parasitic species, it is an independent plant, obtaining all necessary nutrients through its own root system without relying on a host for sustenance. Structurally, the plant exhibits significant woodiness, developing a sturdy, woody stem that provides the necessary mechanical support for its climbing life cycle.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Uncaria attenuata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Villocarine A.

Villocarine A

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Uncaria attenuata has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include drug addiction, pain.

Drug addiction

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Uncaria attenuata has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include UA alkaloid extract, UA methanol extract, total alkaloid extract.

Ua alkaloid extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ua methanol extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Total alkaloid extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology