Athenaea velutina

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bassovia velutina
• Capsicum velutinum
• Aureliana velutina
• Aureliana velutina var. obtusifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Solanales, and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus name Athenaea, specifically as the species Athenaea velutina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its geographical distribution spans across several key regions of the country. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Brazil West-Central area. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit parts of Brazil Northeast. Finally, its presence is also noted within the Brazil Southeast territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Athenaea velutinina is characterized by its distribution across diverse and complex biome mosaics within the Brazilian landscape. This species is primarily found inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu), where it adapts to the seasonal moisture variations and distinct soil compositions typical of these tropical savannas. Furthermore, its ecological range extends into the Floresta Estacional Decidual and the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, indicating a capacity to thrive in environments defined by seasonal leaf shedding in response to periodic dry periods. Additionally, the plant is integrated into the Floresta Ombrófila Mista, allowing it to occupy niches within more humid, mixed-canopy forest structures, showcasing a broad ecological plasticity across various forest types and vegetation densities.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Morphology

The morphology of Athenaea velutina is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 7 meters. It exhibits a self-supporting growth habit, functioning as a non-climbing, self-supporting structure rather than a liana or vine. In terms of its ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial and functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. While its habitat may interface with various moisture levels, its primary morphological classification is terrestrial, distinguishing it from strictly aquatic or semiaquatic forms.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Athenaea velutina has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Toxicological research

Chemicals

Athenaea velutina has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Withanolides.

Withanolides

1. Toxicological research

Preparations

Athenaea velutina has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extract.

Ethanolic extract

1. Toxicological research