Ageratum fastigiatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alomia fastigiata
• Alomia polyphylla
• Caelestina linearifolia
• Isocarpha fastigiata
• Piqueria fastigiata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and falls under the genus Ageratum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of South America. Within the continent, it can be found growing in the nation of Bolivia. In Brazil, its presence is extensive, spanning across the North and Northeast regions. Furthermore, the species is established within the West-Central areas of Brazil. Finally, its range extends into the Southeast portion of the Brazilian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ageratum fastigiatum is intrinsically linked to the Cerrado (latto sensu) biome, where it functions as a component of the complex mosaic of tropical savanna ecosystems. Within this habitat, the species thrives in environments characterized by distinct seasonal cycles of rainfall and prolonged dry periods, often occupying open areas or transitional zones within the shrubby vegetation. Its presence is closely tied to the specific soil compositions and fire regimes typical of the Cerrado, which influence its distribution and competitive dynamics among other herbaceous and shrubby flora. By occupying these niches, the plant participates in the local nutrient cycling and provides essential resources for specialized pollinators adapted to the seasonal availability of flowering plants in this high-biodiversity landscape.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Ageratum fastigiatum is characterized by its classification as a therophyte, a life form that completes its entire biological cycle within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the plant relies on the production of hardy seeds to survive unfavorable environmental periods, such as droughts or cold seasons, entering a state of dormancy until conditions become optimal for germination. This ephemeral strategy allows the plant to rapidly exploit available resources, progressing quickly from germination through vegetative growth to flowering and seed dispersal. Within the broader spectrum of plant life forms, its growth habit is specifically defined by its status as a therophyte, distinguishing it from perennial forms such as phanerophytes, chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, cryptophytes, geophtyes, hydrophytes, helophytes, or lithophytes. By prioritizing rapid maturation and high seed output, Ageratum fastigiatum effectively ensures the continuity of its lineage through seasonal transitions.

Life form :

therophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ageratum fastigiatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically categorized as a forb. It functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, maintaining its structure independently through its herbaceous stems. In terms of its ecological habitat and growth habit, the plant is strictly terrestrial, lacking any epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, and it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments. Furthermore, it is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on its own physiological processes for sustenance.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ageratum fastigiatum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bicyclogermacrene, D-Limonene, Germacrene, Sesquiterpenes.

Bicyclogermacrene

1. Natural product research

D-Limonene

1. Natural product research

Germacrene

1. Natural product research

Sesquiterpenes

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Ageratum fastigiatum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include wound healing.

Wound healing

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Ageratum fastigiatum has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil, ethanolic extract from aerial parts.

Essential oil

1. Natural product research

Ethanolic extract from aerial parts

1. Journal of immunological methods