Alibertia sorbilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Borojoa sorbilis
• Thieleodoxa sorbilis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Alibertia sorbilis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family and the genus Alibertia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the tropical regions of South America. In the western portion of the continent, it can be found growing within the borders of Bolivia. Its range also extends through the diverse landscapes of Ecuador. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit various parts of Peru. Finally, its distribution reaches into the northern regions of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alibertia sorbilis is characterized by its ability to thrive within diverse Amazonian forest formations, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying hydrological regimes. This species is commonly found distributed across Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, and Floresta de Várzea, allowing it to occupy niches ranging from seasonally or permanently flooded blackwater ecosystems to stable, non-flooded upland areas and white-water floodplains. This wide ecological amplitude enables the plant to persist in habitats with distinct soil compositions and moisture levels, playing a role in the complex structural and biological dynamics of these tropical forest environments.

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea

Life history

The life history of Alibertia sorbilis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a nanophanerophyte and a phanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to maintain a perennial structural presence within its ecosystem. Its growth strategy fluctuates between the scales of a nanophanerophyte, where it maintains a relatively low but woody stature, and a more traditional phanerophyte form, which supports larger, elevated branching structures. This life form enables the plant to endure seasonal environmental shifts by protecting its vital meristematic tissues on elevated woody shoots, ensuring its survival and capacity for repeated vegetative growth over multiple seasons.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Alibertia sorbilis is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 5 meters. It is categorized as a terrestrial species, existing independently without the need for a parasitic relationship and lacking epiphytic tendencies, as it remains grounded rather than functioning as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative epiphyte. While it possesses certain structural characteristics, its climbing habit is classified as self-supporting rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative liana or vine. Its overall habit is defined by its robust, woody structure and its consistent presence in terrestrial environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Alibertia sorbilis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of the science of food and agriculture

Chemicals

Alibertia sorbilis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, Esters.

Ash

1. Journal of the science of food and agriculture

Esters

1. Journal of the science of food and agriculture