Annona vepretorum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Annona vepretorum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Magnoliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Annonaceae within the genus Annona.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Annona vepretorum, possesses a very specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the South American continent. Specifically, this medicinal species is found native to the country of Brazil. Within the national borders, its distribution is restricted to the Northeast region of the country. Consequently, this limited area defines the primary ecological zone where the plant can be discovered in the wild.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Annona vepretorum is fundamentally defined by its occurrence within the Caatinga (stricto sensu) biome, a semi-arid region characterized by seasonal drought and high temperatures. In this environment, the species has evolved to thrive amidst xeric vegetation, adapting to the specific soil compositions and irregular precipitation patterns typical of the Brazilian drylands. Its survival in this strict Caatinga habitat necessitates physiological or phenological strategies to cope with the pronounced seasonality, where the plant must navigate periods of intense water scarcity and high solar radiation. Consequently, its distribution and biological rhythms are intrinsically linked to the ecological dynamics of this deciduous scrubland, playing a role in the localized nutrient cycling and biotic interactions characteristic of this unique semi-arid ecosystem.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu)

Life history

The life history of Annona vepretorum is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist and maintain its biological functions over multiple successive growing seasons. Throughout its development, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding period. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and continuous leaf retention supports its sustained growth and metabolic stability within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Annona vepretorum is characterized by a woody growth habit that manifests in both tree and shrub forms. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte or an aquatic plant, maintaining an independent existence without parasitic dependencies. The plant's stature is significant, with an average height of approximately 6 m, though it is capable of reaching a maximum height of up to 10 m. Structurally, it is a self-supporting organism, lacking the climbing mechanisms of vines or lianas, and relies on its robust, woody framework to maintain its upright posture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Annona vepretorum is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward survival in its specific ecological niche, though it lacks the specialized symbiotic mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen assimilation. Unlike many legumes, this species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it cannot convert gaseous nitrogen into bioavailable forms through root nodules; instead, it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its metabolic pathways are optimized for the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which play a crucial role in its medicinal properties and defense mechanisms. The plant's energy production is driven by efficient photosynthetic processes that support its growth cycles, while its nutrient management is strictly dependent on the availability of nitrogenous compounds within the substrate.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Annona vepretorum 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Stem

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Annona vepretorum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Spathulenol, Bicyclogermacrene, Caryophyllene oxide, Germacrene D, LIMONENE.

Spathulenol

1. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology
2. Pharmacognosy magazine

Bicyclogermacrene

1. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology

Caryophyllene oxide

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Germacrene D

1. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology

LIMONENE

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

O-CYMENE

1. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology

Sesquiterpene

1. Natural product research

Steroids

1. Natural product research

Activities

Annona vepretorum has 6 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant, Antiepileptic, Antinociceptive, Anxiolytic.

Anticonvulsant

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antidepressant

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antiepileptic

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antinociceptive

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Anxiolytic

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Sedative

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Conditions

Annona vepretorum has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, edema.

Anticonvulsant

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antidepressant

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antiepileptic

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Anxiolytic

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Edema

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Inflammation

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Pain

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Sedative

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Preparations

Annona vepretorum has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil, inclusion complexes of oil obtained with cyclodextrin, oil complexed with β-cyclodextrin.

Essential oil

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Inclusion complexes of oil obtained with cyclodextrin

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Oil complexed with β-cyclodextrin

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie