Ambelania duckei

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Ambelania.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range localized within the South American continent. Its distribution can be primarily identified in the western region of South America, specifically within Peru. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the northern territories of Brazil. These locations indicate that the plant thrives in distinct tropical environments across these two countries. Consequently, its presence is concentrated in these specific areas of the western and northern South American landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ambelania duckei is defined by its specialized presence within the dense, humid ecosystems of the Neotropics, specifically occurring within the Floresta de Terra Firme and the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). As a component of these tropical rainforest environments, the species thrives in non-flooded, stable upland soils that characterize the terra firme formations, where nutrient cycling is driven by rapid decomposition of organic matter. Its habitat in the ombrophilous forest dictates an ecology shaped by high annual precipitation and consistent humidity, requiring the plant to be adapted to the complex stratification of the forest canopy and the specific microclimates provided by these high-rainfall, closed-canopy environments.

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Ambelania duckei is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within the broader spectrum of its ecological strategies, it specifically functions as a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal changes by protecting its vital buds on elevated structures. This life form allows the plant to persist in its natural habitat by maintaining a permanent woody structure that can withstand environmental fluctuations, distinguishing it from more ephemeral forms like therophytes or low-growing chamaephytes.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ambelania duckei is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of 15 m. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting neither parasitic nor epiphytic tendencies, as it is strictly a terrestrial species. Unlike climbing plants such as lianas or vines, it is a self-supporting structure rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. While its habitat can vary across different moisture levels, including aquatic and semiaquatic environments, its primary ecological classification remains terrestrial.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ambelania duckei has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-Cineole, 2,4-DECADIENAL, CALCIUM, DODECANAL, Flavonoids.

1,8-Cineole

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

2,4-DECADIENAL

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

CALCIUM

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

DODECANAL

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Flavonoids

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

MAGNESIUM

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

POTASSIUM

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Tannins

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

linoleic acid

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

oleic acid

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)