Uncaria elliptica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nauclea elliptica
• Nauclea dasyoneura
• Uncaria thwaitesii
• Uncaria rostrata
• Uncaria brevispina
• Uruparia dasyoneura
• Uncaria dasyoneura
• Uncaria dasyoneura var. thwaitesii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Uncaria elliptica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rubiaceae and falls under the genus Uncaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is specifically noted in Sri Lanka. It is also widely distributed throughout the Indo-China region, including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Furthermore, the species can be found within the Malesia region, particularly on the island of Borneo. These varied locations highlight the significant range of this medicinal species across tropical landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uncaria ellipticica is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms. As a woody climbing vine, its life cycle is defined by its ability to maintain its buds well above the ground level, utilizing structural support to ascend toward light sources within its ecosystem. This phanerytic growth habit allows the plant to bypass the competitive pressures of the forest floor, establishing a perennial existence where its reproductive and vegetative buds are protected by woody stems. Through this strategy, the species navigates its developmental stages from seedling establishment to a mature, climbing adult, ensuring long-term survival through its persistent, elevated bud placement.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Uncaria elliptica is characterized by its growth as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber that utilizes other structures for support rather than being self-supporting. Although it possesses a shrub-like growth form in its structural development, its primary habit is that of a climbing vine. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than living as an epiphyte. The plant's physical structure is fundamentally woody, providing the necessary strength and rigidity for its climbing lifestyle.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

CATECHIN

1. Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)