Vaccinium iteophyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed by its placement in the genus Vaccinium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central areas as well as the Southeast. Its presence also extends into the high-altitude territories of Tibet. Beyond the Chinese borders, the species is documented within the Indo-China region. Specifically, it has been identified as growing in the country of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vaccinium iteophyllum is characterized by its specific distribution across varying altitudinal gradients. This species inhabits a broad elevational spectrum, ranging from a minimum altitude of 400 m AMSL to a maximum peak of 2400 m AMSL. Across its natural range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 920 m AMSL, indicating a preference for mid-to-low altitude montane or sub-montane environments while remaining capable of colonizing higher mountain zones.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

920 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Vaccinium iteophyllum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. This plant maintains a constant presence in its ecosystem due to its evergreen deciduousness, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vaccinium iteophyllum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a shrub. This plant exhibits significant variation in its vertical dimension, with a height that ranges from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 7 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 4 m. In terms of its structural support and habit, the species is classified as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on other structures to climb but maintains its own upright posture.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

4 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of the foliage in Vaccinium iteophyllum is characterized by a specific range of morphological dimensions that facilitate its photosynthetic efficiency. The leaf length exhibits significant variability, with a minimum measurement of 4 cm and a maximum reaching up to 9 cm, maintaining an average length of approximately 6.5 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width varies from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 4 cm. These dimensions contribute to the overall surface area optimization of the plant, allowing for effective light interception and gas exchange within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

9 cm

Leaf length mean:

6.5 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

2 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vaccinium iteophyllum is characterized by specific morphological dimensions of its inflorescence and subsequent fruit development. The plant produces an inflorescence that typically ranges in length from a minimum of 0.03 m to a maximum of 0.07 m. Following successful pollination, the resulting fruits exhibit consistent sizing, with a mean fruit length of 0.45 cm and a mean fruit width of 0.45 cm. The dimensions of these fruits vary slightly, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.4 cm to a maximum of 0.5 cm, while the widths fluctuate between a minimum of 0.4 cm and a maximum of 0.5 cm.

Fruit length max:

0.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.45 cm

Fruit length min:

0.4 cm

Fruit width max:

0.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.45 cm

Fruit width min:

0.4 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.07 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.03 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vaccinium iteophyllum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 19,24-Dihydroxyurs-12-en-3-one-28-oic acid, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Friedelin, Friedelinol, Taraxerol.

19,24-Dihydroxyurs-12-en-3-one-28-oic acid

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

BETA-SITOSTEROL

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

Friedelin

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

Friedelinol

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

Taraxerol

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

Taraxerone

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

Ursolic acid

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