South-Indian Uvaria

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• South-Indian Uvaria

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uva narum
• Uvaria lurida
• Uvaria malabarica
• Hexalobus jussiaeanus
• Unona narum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Uvaria narum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Magnoliales, it is further categorized into the family Annonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Uvaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the tropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, its natural habitat includes various parts of India where it thrives in local ecosystems. In addition to its presence in India, the species is also distributed across Sri Lanka. These two countries represent the core geographical range for this medicinal species. Consequently, its distribution is closely tied to the specific climatic conditions found in these South Asian nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Uvaria narum is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as a climbing vine that relies on external structures for support. It is classified as an obligatory climber, meaning it requires a physical substrate to ascend rather than being self-supporting. The plant exhibits a distinctly woody stem structure, which provides the necessary strength and durability for its life as a climbing perennial.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Uvaria narum is characterized by its complex metabolic processes and specialized structural adaptations typical of woody climbers within the Annonaceae family. Its physiological framework is centered on efficient photosynthetic pathways that support the development of dense foliage and reproductive structures. Regarding its nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not possess the specialized root nodules required for atmospheric nitrogen conversion; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer (trait_1: no). Instead, its nutritional physiology relies heavily on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through an extensive root system. The plant's metabolic activity is also marked by the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and terpenoids, which are produced as part of its physiological defense mechanisms against herbivory and environmental stressors. Furthermore, its transpiration rates and water-use efficiency are regulated by stomatal movements that balance carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis with the prevention of excessive water loss during periods of high thermal stress.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Uvaria narum is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. These fruits possess a distinct fleshy texture, which plays a crucial role in attracting dispersal agents. Within these fruits, the seeds exhibit specific morphological dimensions related to their capacity; the seed volume typically ranges from a minimum of 800 mm³ to a maximum of 890 mm³. Based on these parameters, the seeds maintain an average seed volume of approximately 846.67 mm³, ensuring a consistent size profile necessary for successful germination and the continuation of the species' life cycle.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

890 mm³

Seed volume mean:

846.666666666667 mm³

Seed volume min:

800 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Leaf

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Uvaria narum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Glutinone, Isodesacetyluvaricin, Panalicin, Squamocin.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Glutinone

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Isodesacetyluvaricin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Panalicin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Squamocin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Squamocin-28-one

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Taraxerol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

glutinol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Uvaria narum has 6 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Antiangiogenic, Anticancer, Antifungal.

Antibacterial

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Anthelmintic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiangiogenic

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Anticancer

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Antifungal

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Uvaria narum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf extract.

Leaf extract

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)