Zanthoxylum heterophyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fagara heterophylla

Regional and Traditional Names

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 follows the order Sapindales and is a member of the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Zanthoxylum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the Western Indian Ocean region. It can be found growing in the island nation of Mauritius. Additionally, its presence is noted on the island of Réunion. The species also inhabits the island of Rodrigues. Therefore, its range is concentrated within these specific maritime territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Xanthoxylum heterophyllum is characterized by its robust and perennial growth habit, primarily presenting as a woody shrub or a small tree. The plant possesses a distinct woody structure, featuring sturdy stems and branches that provide the necessary framework for its upward growth. The bark is typically textured, often exhibiting a somewhat rough or fissured surface as the plant matures. The leaves are arranged in a pinnately compound fashion, consisting of multiple leaflets that emerge from a central rachis, contributing to a lush, leafy canopy. The overall architecture of the plant is defined by this perennial woodiness, which supports its complex branching patterns and reproductive structures.

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zanthoxylum heterophyllum involves the production of seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical characteristics across the sampled population. Based on empirical data, the seeds are characterized by a uniform mass, with the mean, maximum, and minimum values all converging at exactly 0.02948 g. This lack of variance in seed mass indicates a highly stabilized reproductive output, ensuring that each individual seed carries a standardized amount of nutrient reserves for initial germination and seedling establishment.

Seed mass mean:

0.02948 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Zanthoxylum heterophyllum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiplasmodial.

Antiplasmodial

1. International journal of antimicrobial agents