lifeplant
Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC.
Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. is a species in the Oxalidaceae family, native to regions including India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and the Andaman Islands. It is known for its sensitivity to touch, with leaflets that move rapidly in response to mechanical stimulation. Common names include 'lifeplant' and 'little tree plant.' The species is found in wetlands and disturbed habitats and is used in traditional medicine in Nepal and India. It is also sensitive to spider mites in cultivation. The nomenclatural history of the species is discussed in botanical literature, with a neotype designated by Veldkamp in 1989.
Description
Biophytum sensitivum is a member of the Oxalidaceae family and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is commonly found in wetlands and disturbed areas, and is known for its rapid leaflet movement in response to touch. The plant is used in traditional medicine in India and Nepal. Botanical studies have examined its chemical composition and biological activities. The taxonomic history of the species includes a neotype designation by Veldkamp in 1989, though the use of original material would have been preferable under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.
Other common names
lifeplant
Distribution
TW · NP · PH · Andaman Is. · Assam · Bangladesh · Borneo · Cambodia · China South-Central · China Southeast · East Himalaya · Hainan · India · Jawa · Laos · Lesser Sunda Is. · Malaya · Maluku · Myanmar · Nepal · Philippines · Sulawesi · Sumatera · Taiwan · Thailand · Vietnam · Armenia
Synonyms
Oxalis sensitivaOxalis candolleanaToddavaddia sensitivaBiophytum candolleanumBiophytum cumingianumBiophytum cumingiiBiophytum poterioidesBiophytum sensitivum var. assamicaBiophytum sensitivum var. candolleanumBiophytum sensitivum var. cumingianumBiophytum sensitivum var. poterioidesBiophytum sensitivum var. sesbanioidesBiophytum sesbanioidesBiophytum somnulentumOxalis cumingiana
