Blakea parasitica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Topobea cuspidata
• Topobea floribunda
• Topobea membranacea
• Topobea parasitica
• Topobea praecox
• Topobea pubescens
• Topobea regeliana
• Topobea rhodantha
• Topobea rupicola

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Myrtalees and placed in the family Melastomataceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Blakea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across parts of Central and South America. Within Central America, its range includes the countries of Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, it can be found growing in Venezuela. The species also extends its presence into the Guianas, specifically occupying Guyana and French Guiana. Together, these regions define the primary geographical footprint of Blakea parasitica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Blakea parasiticca is characterized by its distribution across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1800 m AMSL. This species is primarily found within specific forest ecosystems, specifically thriving in Floresta de Terra Firme and Floresta de Várzea habitats. These environments provide the necessary structural and hydrological conditions required for its growth, spanning from stable, non-flooded upland forests to seasonally flooded lowland areas.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea

Morphology

The morphology of Blakea parasitica is characterized by its woody structure and distinct growth habits. It is categorized as a tree in terms of its primary growth form, though it exhibits climbing characteristics, functioning as a self-supporting liana or vine rather than an obligatory climber. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a ground-based existence rather than growing on other plants. Despite its botanical name, the plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with its host plants. Its physical composition is predominantly woody, providing the necessary structural integrity for its terrestrial habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Blakea parasitica has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Antimalarial

1. Pharmaceutical biology