Wurfbainia biflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cardamomum biflorum
• Cyphostigma pubescens
• Elettariopsis pubescens
• Amomum elettarioides
• Amomum biflorum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Zingiberales. Finally, it is a member of the family Zingiberaceae, falling under the genus Wurfbainia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Wurfbainia biflora, possesses a specific range within the Malesian botanical region. Its natural occurrence is primarily documented across the Malay Peninsula. Additionally, the species can be found growing within the diverse ecosystems of Sumatera. These two locations represent the core geographical distribution for this medicinal flora. Consequently, its habitat is concentrated within these specific Southeast Asian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Wurfbainia biflora is characterized by its classification as a geophyte, a growth strategy that allows the plant to survive unfavorable environmental conditions through underground storage organs. As a geophyte, it maintains its perennating buds or organs beneath the soil surface, enabling it to remain dormant during periods of drought or extreme temperature fluctuations before re-emerging when conditions become favorable. This life cycle involves a seasonal pattern of growth where the plant utilizes stored energy from its subterranean structures to initiate rapid development of its vegetative and reproductive parts. Throughout its life history, the plant transitions from its dormant underground state to an active phase, eventually completing its reproductive cycle before retreating back into its protective underground refuge to await the next growing season.

Life form :

geophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Wurfbainia biflora is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its climbing habit to navigate its environment without being parasitic, as it remains an independent organism. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning, lacking epiphytic tendencies. In terms of physical scale, it maintains a relatively modest stature, with a maximum plant height reaching approximately 1 meter.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Wurfbainia biflora has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant.

Anticholinesterase

1. Natural product research

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research

Medicinal Uses

Wurfbainia biflora has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations