Astraea lobata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents and regions. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found across India, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. Its range also extends into the Southwestern Pacific, specifically reaching New Caledonia. Additionally, the species has established a presence in the Southeastern United States, notably in Florida. These scattered locations highlight the broad ecological adaptability of Astraea lobata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astraea lobata is characterized by its ability to colonize a diverse array of environments, ranging from anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica) and open grasslands (Campo Limpo) to specialized ecosystems such as rocky fields (Campo Rupestre), restingas, and riparian forests or gallery forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria). This adaptability allows the species to inhabit various landscapes, spanning a broad elevational gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and reaches up to a maximum of 1,000 m AMSL. On average, the species is found at a mean elevation of 375 m AMSL, reflecting its presence across both lowland coastal habitats and mid-altitude terrestrial zones.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

375 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Campo Limpo, Campo Rupestre, Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Astraea lobata is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning it completes its entire biological progression from germination to seed production within a single growing season. Structurally, the plant exhibits a dual classification regarding its life form, functioning as both a therophyte and a chamaephyte. As a therophyte, it survives the unfavorable periods of its environment primarily in the form of seeds, rapidly emerging to complete its reproductive cycle once conditions become favorable. Concurrently, its growth habit aligns with the chamaephyte life form, where the buds are located close to the soil surface, allowing it to persist through seasonal changes before transitioning through its brief, productive annual stage.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Astraea lobata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This terrestrial species is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or vine, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a relatively low profile, with a minimum height of approximately 0.61 m, a maximum height reaching about 0.91 m, and an average height of approximately 1 m. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic characteristics, maintaining a stable, non-woody structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.914411119 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.609607413 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Astraea lobata is characterized by complex metabolic pathways focused on resource acquisition and nutrient cycling within its specific ecological niche. A primary physiological distinction of this species is its relationship with atmospheric gases and soil chemistry; specifically, it does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia or other nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its growth and physiological vigor are heavily dependent on the availability of exogenous nitrates and ammonium within the substrate. The plant's metabolic efficiency is governed by its photosynthetic rate and its ability to manage transpiration through specialized stomatal regulation, which balances carbon dioxide uptake with water conservation. This physiological profile ensures that while the plant is highly efficient at processing available soil nutrients, it remains reliant on the nitrogen cycle driven by external organic matter or mineral inputs.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Astraea lobata has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. BioFactors (Oxford, England)

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. BioFactors (Oxford, England)