Annona spinescens

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Annona spinescens, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Magnoliales and the family Annonaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Annona.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions within Brazil. It can be found growing throughout the West-Central part of the country. Additionally, its presence extends into the diverse landscapes of the Brazilian Northeast. The species is also documented within the Southeast region of Brazil. Together, these areas define the primary natural range for Annona spinescens.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Annona spinescens is intrinsically linked to the Caatinga (stricto sensu) biome, where it has evolved to thrive within this semi-arid, deciduous shrubland ecosystem. It is specialized to endure the extreme environmental fluctuations characteristic of this region, including prolonged periods of drought, high solar radiation, and irregular precipitation patterns. Within this habitat, the plant occupies niches defined by xeric conditions, often integrating into the complex stratified layers of the Caatinga vegetation where it must compete for limited water resources and nutrients in seasonally thin, often rocky or sandy soils. Its physiological and morphological adaptations are finely tuned to the specific microclimates of the Caatinga, allowing it to maintain biological functions amidst the intense heat and moisture scarcity that define its native ecological domain.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu)

Morphology

The morphology of Annona spinescens is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily functioning as a self-supporting tree. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic lifestyles, maintaining an independent existence without being an obligatory or facultative parasite. The plant's structural habit is defined by its sturdy, non-climbing nature, lacking the characteristics of a liana, vine, or any other climbing form. In terms of stature, it reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 4 m, establishing a stable, self-supporting presence within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Annona spinescens has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, seed.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Seed

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Annona spinescens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pessoine, Spinosine, Squamocin, spinencin.

Pessoine

1. Journal of natural products

Spinosine

1. Journal of natural products

Squamocin

1. Journal of natural products

spinencin

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Annona spinescens has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include MeOH extract, roots, trunk bark.

Meoh extract

1. Journal of natural products

Roots

1. Journal of natural products

Trunk bark

1. Journal of natural products