Taiwan mountain longan
Helicia formosana
Helicia formosana is a plant native to low-altitude mountain forests, particularly in regions influenced by environmental factors such as stream distance and topography. While there are no traditional uses recorded for this species, it has been noted for its role in the ecosystem, with two new species of insects described that have host-plant associations with Cinnamomum camphora and either Helicia formosana or Prunus campanulata. Scientific evidence suggests that nutrient content, including water, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus, influences feeding choices by Assamese macaques in limestone forests. Increasing typhoon frequency has also been observed to alter the ecosystem structure and function in subtropical forests where Helicia formosana is found. No significant safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Environmental factors, particularly stream distance and topography, significantly influenced the richness, abundance, and community composition of terrestrial fern species in a low-altitude mountain forest.
- Two new species of the tribe Synanthedonini are described, with host plant associations provided for one species.
- The study found that nutrient content, particularly water, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus, influenced the feeding behavior of Assamese macaques in limestone forests.
- The study found that increasing typhoon frequency, driven by stronger typhoons, has gradually increased total annual litter mass in the subtropical forest over 21 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is Taiwan mountain longan?
Taiwan mountain longan (Helicia formosana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Taiwan mountain longan?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Taiwan mountain longan; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Environmental factors, particularly stream distance and topography, significantly influenced the richness, abundance, and community composition of terrestrial fern species in a low-altitude mountain forest.
How strong is the evidence for Taiwan mountain longan?
The strongest finding for Taiwan mountain longan carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Taiwan mountain longan safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Taiwan mountain longan in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Taiwan mountain longan interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Taiwan mountain longan in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Taiwan mountain longan a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Impacts of increasing typhoons on the structure and function of a subtropical forest: reflections of a changing climate. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Two new species of the tribe Synanthedonini (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae), with new hostplant associations from Taiwan. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutrient contents predict the bamboo-leaf-based diet of Assamese macaques living in limestone forests of southwest Guangxi, China. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Environmental heterogeneity and its influence on fern diversity in a low-altitude mountain forest in central Taiwan. literature abstract metadata