Willughbeia coriacea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is documented in both Laos and Thailand. Moving into the Malesia zone, the species can be found spanning across the island of Borneo. It is also widely distributed throughout the islands of Jawa and the Malay Peninsula. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's significant range across diverse tropical habitats.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Willughbeia coriacea is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. It functions as an obligatory climber, specifically categorized as a liana or vine that requires external support to ascend. Although it possesses a woody structure, its primary growth form is that of a liana rather than a standalone shrub or tree. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than an epiphytic one.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Willughbeia coriacea is characterized by its metabolic processes as a woody climber, primarily focusing on efficient nutrient uptake and photosynthetic efficiency within tropical canopy environments. As a member of the Moraceae family, its physiological activity is geared toward supporting rapid vertical growth through the development of lignified tissues and specialized vascular structures. Regarding its relationship with soil nutrients, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its physiological processes are heavily influenced by high humidity and light availability, where it regulates transpiration and gas exchange through stomatal movements to maintain turgor pressure and facilitate the transport of water and minerals throughout its extensive climbing architecture.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Willughbeiia coriacea is characterized by specific morphological data regarding its seeds, which serve as the primary unit for dispersal and new growth. The reproductive output of this species produces seeds with a highly consistent mass, exhibiting no variance across the sampled population. Specifically, the seed mass remains constant with a mean value of 0.22 g, which is mirrored by both the maximum and minimum recorded values of 0.22 g. This uniformity in seed mass suggests a stabilized reproductive strategy within the species, ensuring that each individual seed provides a predictable amount of energy reserves for the developing embryo during the germination process.

Seed mass mean:

0.22 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Willughbeia coriacea 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 root.

Root

1. Journal of natural medicines

Preparations

Willughbeia coriacea has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extracts.

Methanol extracts

1. Journal of natural medicines