Calea urticifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Galinsoga serrata
• Mocinna brachiata
• Calea axillaris var. urticifolia
• Calea cacosmoides
• Calea pellucidinerva
• Calea brachiata
• Caleacte urticifolia
• Galinsoga brachiata
• Mocinna serrata
• Solidago urticifolia
• Calea axillaris
• Calea urticifolia var. axillaris
• Calea urticifolia var. yucatanensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Calea urticifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and is identified under the genus Calea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across two distinct continents. In Africa, its presence is noted within the West-Central Tropical region, specifically in the DR Congo. The species also thrives extensively throughout various regions of Mexico. Its Mexican range includes the central, northeastern, and northwestern territories. Additionally, the plant can be found growing within the Gulf region of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calea urticiifolia is characterized by its distribution across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This species is primarily found within forest habitats, where it integrates into the complex structural layers of these ecosystems. Its ability to thrive from 0 to 2000 m AMSL indicates a significant ecological plasticity, allowing it to occupy diverse microclimates and varying environmental conditions found within forested landscapes at different mountain tiers.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest

Morphology

The morphology of Calea urticiifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic tendencies, and is categorized as a terrestrial plant, ranging from aquatic to semiaquatic environments in certain contexts. Unlike climbing species such as lianas or vines, it is a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. Furthermore, it lacks epiphytic habits, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than acting as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other form of epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Calea urticifolia is characterized by the production of minute seeds that vary in size, with a recorded seed mass ranging from a minimum of 2e-04 g to a maximum of 4e-04 g, resulting in a mean seed mass of 3e-04 g. These seeds are dispersed via an anemochorous syndrome, utilizing wind currents to facilitate their movement and colonization of new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Seed mass max:

4e-04 g

Seed mass mean:

3e-04 g

Seed mass min:

2e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Calea urticifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Phytochemistry
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Calea urticifolia has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,3-Epoxyjuanislamin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Calealactone B, Calein C, RUTIN.

2,3-Epoxyjuanislamin

1. Phytochemistry

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Calealactone B

1. Phytochemistry

Calein C

1. Phytochemistry

RUTIN

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

acacetin

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Calea urticifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Calea urticifolia has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea, fever, gastric ulcers, hyperglycemia, inflammation.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations