Astrocaryum rodriguesii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Arecales and the family Arecaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Astrocaryum as the species Astrocaryum rodriguesii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution restricted to certain regions of northern South America. Within the northern part of the continent, it can be found growing in French Guiana. The species is also documented as occurring throughout Suriname. In the country of Brazil, its presence is specifically noted in the northern territory. These locations highlight the tropical habitats where this medicinal species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astrocaryum rodriguesii is defined by its structural role within its ecosystem, where it primarily occupies the canopy layer of its native forest environments. By positioning itself within the canopy, the plant accesses high levels of solar radiation necessary for photosynthesis while simultaneously influencing the microclimate and light availability for the understory layers below. To survive the pressures of herbivory and environmental stressors characteristic of its niche, the species employs active defense mechanisms, utilizing specific biological or chemical strategies to protect its tissues from being consumed by local fauna.

Defense :

yes

Habitat :

canopy

Life history

The life history of Astrocaryum rodriguesii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both the phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms. As a phanerophyte, its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing the plant to persist through unfavorable seasonal conditions by maintaining its vegetative structure in an elevated position. Within the spectrum of life forms, its growth habit aligns with the nanophanerophyte category, indicating a relatively low-growing woody stature compared to larger forest trees, while still maintaining the essential survival strategy of protecting its buds on elevated branches. This life history strategy ensures its long-term persistence in its native habitat, utilizing its woody architecture to navigate environmental stressors throughout its perennial life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Astrocaryum rodriguesii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting, independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence. The plant exhibits an erect shoot orientation and lacks climbing tendencies, such as being a liana or vine, as it is entirely self-supporting. It can reach a maximum plant height of 20 meters, with a maximum shoot length extending up to 2000 cm. In terms of its structural dimensions, the species can attain a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of up to 25 cm. While its classification within growth forms can occasionally overlap with other structural types like palms in broader botanical surveys, its definitive morphological profile is that of a terrestrial, woody tree.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

DBH max:

25 cm

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

palm

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Shoot length max:

2000 cm

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Astrocaryum rodriguesii is characterized by specific morphological adaptations and structural dimensions that facilitate its survival in its native habitat. A notable aspect of its vegetative growth involves the development of expansive foliage, with leaf length reaching a maximum of 350 cm, allowing for significant photosynthetic surface area. Furthermore, the plant exhibits specialized defensive structures on its foliage, as indicated by the presence of leaf spines, which serve as a physiological mechanism for protection against herbivory.

Leaf length max:

350 cm

Leaf spines :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Astrocaryum rodriguesii is characterized by the production of distinct fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit a notable color profile, typically appearing in shades of orange. In terms of morphology, the fruits vary in size, with a mean width of 2.2 cm and a minimum width of 2 cm, reaching a maximum width of 2.4 cm. The longitudinal dimension of the fruit is characterized by a mean length of 4 cm, providing a structural vessel for the developing seeds essential to the plant's life cycle and propagation.

Fruit colour :

orange

Fruit length mean:

4 cm

Fruit width max:

2.4 cm

Fruit width mean:

2.2 cm

Fruit width min:

2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Astrocaryum rodriguesii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoids, Unsaturated Fatty Acids.

Carotenoids

1. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

1. Inflammopharmacology

Activities

Astrocaryum rodriguesii has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Inflammopharmacology