Alchornea coelophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alchornea grandiflora var. lehmannii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic classification concludes with the genus Alchornea, specifically the species Alchornea coelophylla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to the specific regions of Western South America. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the borders of Colombia. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout Ecuador. These two countries represent the core areas of its geographical distribution. Consequently, its presence is limited to these specific tropical landscapes in the western part of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alchornea coelophylla is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitat, primarily occupying montane environments. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, establishing itself at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1200 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2750 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an ecological preference for mid-to-high altitude ecosystems, where it likely interacts with specific temperature regimes, moisture levels, and soil compositions typical of these mountain belts. By occupying this broad range, the plant demonstrates a level of environmental plasticity that allows it to persist across varying ecological niches found between the lower montane forests and higher altitude zones.

Elevational range max:

2750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Alchornea coelophylla is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both the phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms. As a phanerophyte, its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to maintain structural persistence through varying environmental conditions. Within this category, its development often aligns with the nanophanerophyte scale, indicating a growth habit that maintains its regenerative organs at a relatively low but elevated height above the soil surface. This life strategy enables the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations while ensuring that its primary meristematic tissues remain protected, facilitating a perennial lifecycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Alchornea coelophylla is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which can reach a maximum plant height of 20 meters. This species functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or inhabiting epiphytic niches. Unlike climbing plants such as lianas or vines, it is entirely self-supporting and does not exhibit obligatory or facultative climbing behaviors. Its structural development is defined by its significant woody constitution, supporting its stature within its natural terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Alchornea coelophylla has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include DICHLOROMETHANE, methanol.

DICHLOROMETHANE

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

methanol

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Preparations

Alchornea coelophylla has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane extracts, methanol extracts.

Dichloromethane extracts

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Methanol extracts

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz