Goniothalamus cheliensis explained

Goniothalamus cheliensis is a species of plant in the Annonaceae family. It is native to China and Thailand.^[1] Bioactive molecules isolated from its roots have been reported to have cytotoxic activity in tests with cultured human cancer cells.^{[2] [3]}

Description

It has large leaves, 50-76 by 13-22 centimeters, that are densely hairy on their underside. It also has large flowers. Its sepals are 30-40 by 28-30 millimeters and its outer petals are 60-80 by 30-40 millimeters.^[4]

Reproductive biology

The pollen of G. cheliensis is shed as permanent tetrads.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Goniothalamus cheliensis Hu . . n.d. . Plants of the World Online . The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . January 17, 2019.
2. Wang. Si. Zhang. Yan-Jun. Chen. Ruo-Yun. Yu. De-Quan. Goniolactones A−F, Six New Styrylpyrone Derivatives from the Roots of Goniothalamus cheliensis. Journal of Natural Products. 65. 6. 2002. 835–841. 0163-3864. 10.1021/np010443w. 12088424.
3. Zhong. Li. Li. Chao-ming. Hao. Xiao-jiang. Lou. Li-guang. Induction of leukemia cell apoptosis by cheliensisin A involves downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 26. 5. 2005. 623–628. 1671-4083. 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2005.00077.x. 15842784. free.
4. Saunders. Richard M. K.. Chalermglin. Piya. A synopsis of Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) in Thailand, with descriptions of three new species. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 156. 3. 2008. 355–384. 0024-4074. 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2007.00762.x. free.