wayfaring-tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bending wayfaring tree
• twistwood
• wayfaring tree
• wayfaring viburnum
• Wayfaring-Tree
• mealytree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Viburnum lantana var. aureomaculatum
• Viburnum lantana var. europaeum
• Viburnum lantana var. variegatum
• Viburnum lantana f. vitosiensis
• Viburnum lantana f. variegatum
• Viburnum farinosum
• Viburnum lantana var. glabratum
• Viburnum maculatum
• Viburnum lantana var. rugosum
• Viburnum aragonense
• Viburnum lantana versicolor
• Viburnum lantana var. discolor

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Dipsacales and the family Viburnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Viburnum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Its range also extends further north to include the countries of Norway and Sweden. Additionally, the species is present within the landscape of Middle Europe, specifically in Austria. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse northern and central environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Viburnum lantana is defined by its adaptability to diverse environmental settings, frequently occurring within forests, forest edges, mountains, shrubberies, and stony places. It thrives in varied terrains where it can establish itself among rocky substrates and transitional woodland zones. Its vertical distribution is significant, with a mean elevational range of 1213 m AMSL, indicating a capacity to inhabit both lowland habitats and higher montane ecosystems.

Elevational range mean:

1213 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest, forest edges, mountains, shrubberies, stony places

Life history

The life history of Viburnum lantana is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its conductive and reproductive organs well above the ground level, typically growing as a woody shrub. Its seasonal development is defined by a deciduous nature, meaning it sheds its foliage annually in response to climatic changes, entering a period of dormancy before regenerating new growth.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Viburnum lantana is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it maintains an independent lifestyle rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. As a terrestrial species, it does not possess aquatic or semiaquatic traits. The plant reaches a typical height with a mean value of approximately 3.225 m, though its stature can range from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 3 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

3.225 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Viburnum lantana is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which is typical for many woody deciduous shrubs in temperate climates. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying entirely on soil-based nutrient uptake rather than the capture of prey. Morphologically, its leaves have a mean size of 38.695 cm², and the foliage demonstrates a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 155.65 cm²/g, reflecting its specific leaf mass distribution and metabolic efficiency in light interception and gas exchange.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

38.695 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

155.65 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Viburnum lantana is characterized by a sexual process, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. The flowering period typically begins in May and concludes in June, utilizing a biotic pollination syndrome specifically driven by insects. While self-fertilization is present within the species, it relies on these insect pollinators to facilitate successful fertilization. Following pollination, the plant produces fleshy, indehiscent fruits classified as drupes. These fruits serve as the vessel for the seeds, which exhibit a mean mass of approximately 0.0407 g (ranging from a minimum of 0.01 g to a maximum of 0.081 g) and a mean volume of 40.5 mm³ (with a range between 39 mm³ and 42 mm³). Dispersal is achieved through a zoochorous syndrome, meaning the seeds are spread by animals, which is a common strategy for fleshy drupes to ensure effective propagation across the environment.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit type :

drupe

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.081 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0407194375 g

Seed mass min:

0.01 g

Seed volume max:

42 mm³

Seed volume mean:

40.5 mm³

Seed volume min:

39 mm³

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Viburnum lantana has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Pectins, Saponins.

Anthocyanins

1. Protoplasma

Carotenoids

1. Protoplasma

Flavonoids

1. Protoplasma

Pectins

1. Protoplasma

Saponins

1. Protoplasma

Steroids

1. Protoplasma

Tannins

1. Protoplasma

polyphenols

1. Protoplasma

Conditions

Viburnum lantana has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include tumor.

Tumor

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine