Uvaria microcarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uvaria dolichoclada
• Uvaria badiiflora
• Uvaria macrophylla var. microcarpa
• Uvaria obovatifolia
• Uva microcarpa

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 Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Annonaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Uvaria and the specific species Uvaria microcarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Eastern and Southeast Asia. In China, its presence is documented in both Hainan and the Southeast regions of the country. The species can also be found on the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Furthermore, its range extends into the Indo-China peninsula, specifically within Vietnam. Together, these locations define the natural geographical footprint of Uvaria microcarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Uvaria microcarpa is characterized by a predominantly woody growth habit, manifesting as a scrambling shrub or a woody climber. The stems are robust and lignified, providing the structural support necessary for its climbing nature. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the woody branches, displaying an elliptical to oblong shape with entire margins and acute or acuminate apices. The venation is distinct, often featuring prominent secondary veins that extend toward the leaf margins. The reproductive structures consist of relatively small, inconspicuous flowers that emerge from the axils of the leaves or from older woody branches. The fruits are characteristic of the Annonaceae family, appearing as small, fleshy berries or aggregate fruits that develop from the syncarpous ovaries, often clustered together on the woody stems.

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Uvaria microcarpa is characterized by a complex biological process involving specific mechanisms for seed movement and propagation. The plant exhibits a diverse range of dispersal strategies, encompassing anemochorous, autochorous, hydrochorous, and unspecialized methods, though it is primarily defined by a zoochorous dispersal syndrome. This reliance on zoochory indicates that animals play a fundamental role in the transport of its seeds, facilitating colonization across various habitats. Through these integrated dispersal modes, the species ensures its reproductive success and spatial distribution within its natural ecosystem.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Uvaria microcarpa has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Euphorginol, Taraxerol, aristololactam A II, benzoic acid.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Euphorginol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Taraxerol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

aristololactam A II

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

benzoic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

beta-Daucosterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

beta-Sitosterol palmitate

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

emodin

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

stigmasterol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials