Calea pinnatifida

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Willoughbya dentata
• Actinea commutata
• Caleacte pinnatifida
• Mikania dentata
• Mocinna brasiliensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it resides in the family Asteraceae and is identified by the genus Calea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several key regions of South America. In Brazil, its distribution spans the West-Central, Southeast, and South territories. Moving beyond Brazilian borders, it can also be found in the Northeast region of Argentina. Additionally, its range extends into the country of Paraguay. Together, these locations define the specific geographical footprint of Calea pinnatifida.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calea pinnatifida is defined by its adaptation to the specific environmental conditions of the Cerrado biome. This plant thrives within this distinct savanna ecosystem, occupying a broad vertical distribution across the landscape. Its elevational range extends from sea level up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL, allowing it to inhabit a variety of topographical positions within its primary habitat.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado

Life history

The life history of Calea pinnatifida is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. As a perennial, the plant establishes a robust biological foundation that enables it to survive seasonal fluctuations and regrow from its existing structures once favorable environmental conditions return. This long-term survival strategy allows the species to invest more energy into complex structural development and reproductive stability over time, distinguishing its developmental trajectory from annual or biennial species that face higher turnover rates.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Calea pinnatifida is characterized by its growth habit and ecological positioning, functioning as a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic species. It exhibits an obligatory climbing habit, relying on external structures for support to ascend toward light sources. While its growth patterns are strictly terrestrial, it does not function as an epiphyte in any capacity—whether as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative epiphyte—nor does it exhibit any epiphytic tendencies. Furthermore, the plant is entirely independent in its nutrient acquisition, lacking any parasitic mechanisms, and remains strictly non-epiphytic throughout its life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Calea pinnatifida 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. Natural product research

Chemicals

Calea pinnatifida has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acetylportentol, Calein A.

Acetylportentol

1. Natural product research

Calein A

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Calea pinnatifida has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Plant extracts.

Plant extracts

1. Natural product research