Banisteriopsis stellaris

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Banisteria stellaris f. pubifolia
• Banisteria schizoptera var. minarum
• Banisteria comans var. latifolia
• Banisteria comans var. pubifolia
• Banisteria stellaris
• Banisteria comans
• Banisteria comans var. stellaris
• Banisteria stellaris f. comans
• Banisteria stellaris var. comans
• Banisteria stellaris f. latifolia
• Banisteria stellaris var. latifolia
• Banisteria stellaris var. pubifolia
• Banisteria minarum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Malpighiales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Malpighiaceae and is categorized under the genus Banisteriopsis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Western South America, with significant presence in Bolivia. Within the nation of Brazil, its range extends across several distinct ecological regions. It can be found spanning the vast territories of Brazil North and the expansive areas of Brazil Northeast. Furthermore, the species inhabits the central reaches of the country within Brazil West-Central. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the populated and biologically rich stretches of Brazil Southeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Banisteriopsis stellaris is characterized by its distribution across specific Brazilian biomes, primarily inhabiting the Caatinga (stricto sensu) and the Cerrado (lato sensu). Within these environments, the species adapts to the distinct seasonal moisture regimes and soil compositions typical of these regions, ranging from the semi-arid, deciduous shrublands of the Caatinga to the more diverse, savanna-like landscapes of the Cerrado. This ecological positioning suggests a resilience to varying degrees of water availability and a specialized niche within the structural complexity of these tropical ecosystems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Banisteriopsis stellaris is characterized by its structural development as a woody climbing vine, primarily exhibiting a life form classified as a phanerophyte due to its elevated perennial growth and permanent woody stems. Within its ecological niche, the plant's physiological strategy can also be interpreted through the lens of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its specialized growth habit where the perennial buds and woody structures are maintained at a low height or integrated into the canopy of host trees to facilitate upward movement. As a perennial woody climber, its life cycle involves a prolonged vegetative phase focused on structural expansion and climbing, followed by seasonal reproductive cycles that depend on the stability of its tropical habitat. This combination of phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte traits allows the species to navigate complex forest strata, ensuring its survival through long-term woody persistence.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Banisteriopsis stellaris is characterized by a woody structure that functions as an obligatory climber, specifically taking the form of a liana. While it possesses a growth form categorized as a shrub in certain developmental stages, its primary habit is that of a climbing vine. The plant is fundamentally terrestrial in its ecological niche, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, and it grows as an independent organism rather than acting as a parasite. Furthermore, it is strictly terrestrial in its epiphytic status, meaning it does not function as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative epiphyte, but instead establishes itself firmly within the soil substrate.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Banisteriopsis stellaris has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity