Bursera morelensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Terebinthus morelensis
• Elaphrium morelense

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Bursera morelensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Sapindales. Finally, it is classified under the family Burseraeaceae within the genus Bursera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is natively distributed across several key regions within the country of Mexico. Specifically, its presence is documented throughout the central part of Mexico. It can also be found growing in the northeastern territories of the nation. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Gulf region of Mexico. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the southwestern portions of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Bursera morelensis is characterized by its robust growth form, functioning primarily as a tree. This species exhibits a woody constitution, providing the structural integrity necessary for its stature. In terms of its ecological positioning and habit, it is a terrestrial plant, maintaining an independent existence rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. Furthermore, it is a self-supporting organism, lacking the climbing or liana-like tendencies associated with vines, and it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, remaining firmly rooted in terrestrial environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bursera morelensis is characterized by a metabolic framework governed by the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates how the plant fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds. Under this pathway, carbon fixation occurs via the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, a process that requires the plant to balance efficient gas exchange with the risk of photorespiration, particularly in its semi-arid natural habitats. To mitigate water loss associated with the stomatal conductance required for C3 photosynthesis, the plant exhibits physiological adaptations such as succulent stems capable of specialized water storage and a controlled transpiration rate. This metabolic strategy allows for efficient biomass production during periods of adequate moisture while maintaining the osmotic potential necessary to sustain cellular functions during dry intervals.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Bursera morelensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CARVACROL, Deoxypodophyllotoxin, Morelensin, P-CYMENE, a-phellandrene.

CARVACROL

1. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)

Deoxypodophyllotoxin

1. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Morelensin

1. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences

P-CYMENE

1. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)

a-phellandrene

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Activities

Bursera morelensis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Conditions

Bursera morelensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include wound.

Wound

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Preparations

Bursera morelensis has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Essential oils, Infusions made from the bark, dried exudate.

Essential oils

1. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)

Infusions made from the bark

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Dried exudate

1. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences