Aldama robusta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Viguiera robusta var. confusa
• Aldama macrocalyx
• Aldama ovatifolia
• Viguiera robusta var. oxylepis
• Viguiera radula
• Viguiera robusta var. scaberrima
• Viguiera robusta
• Viguiera scabra
• Aldama radula
• Leighia ovatifolia
• Rhysolepis macrocalyx
• Rhysolepis ovatifolia
• Rhysolepis radula
• Viguiera macrocalyx
• Viguiera ovatifolia
• Rhysolepis robusta

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 Aldama.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Aldama robusta, exhibits a broad presence across several key regions of Brazil. Its natural habitat extends throughout the North of the country, covering vast tropical landscapes. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed within the West-Central and Southeast regions of Brazil. Its range also reaches down into the southern part of the nation, specifically the South region. Consequently, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant spans a significant portion of the Brazilian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aldama robusta is characterized by its ability to thrive across diverse and specific environmental landscapes within Brazilian biomes. This species is found inhabiting various ecological niches, ranging from the open, sun-exposed environments of Campo Limpo to the more complex and structurally diverse ecosystems of the Cerrado (latu sensu). Furthermore, its distribution extends into riparian corridors, where it can be found in both Floresta Ciliar and Floresta de Galeria, indicating an adaptability to the moisture gradients and soil compositions provided by riverine environments.

Habitat :

Campo Limpo, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria

Life history

The life history of Aldama robusta is characterized by its distinct growth strategies and structural adaptations, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its permanent buds and regenerative organs well above the soil surface, typically on branches or woody stems, which allows it to persist through various environmental conditions. While its primary classification aligns with the phanerophyte life form, its ecological versatility and structural development can occasionally manifest traits associated with other growth habits, such as being a nanophanerophyte depending on the specific environmental pressures and the height of its reproductive structures. This life history allows the species to establish a stable presence within its habitat, utilizing its elevated meristems to navigate seasonal changes and compete effectively for light and resources.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Aldama robusta is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically identifying it as a woody herb within its ecological niche. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or an epiphyte, as it grows directly from the ground as a terrestrial species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Aldama robusta has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BUDLEIN A.

BUDLEIN A

1. European journal of pharmacology