Caraipa grandifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, its presence extends through Colombia. The species is also widely distributed across Western South America, specifically throughout Peru. Finally, its range reaches into the northern regions of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Caraipa grandifolia is characterized by its presence across diverse Amazonian forest ecosystems, specifically occupying Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, and Floresta de Várzea. This distribution indicates a notable adaptability to varying hydrological regimes, ranging from seasonally flooded blackwater environments to stable, non-flooded upland forests. The species maintains a specific altitudinal niche, with an average elevational range centered around 100 m AMSL (meters above sea level).

Elevational range mean:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea

Morphology

The morphology of Caraipa grandifolia is characterized by its growth form as a large, woody tree that reaches a maximum height of approximately 17 meters. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and thrives in terrestrial environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, supporting its substantial stature within its natural ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

17 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Caraipa grandifolia is characterized by its metabolic adaptation to the seasonally dry tropical environments it inhabits, primarily utilizing a C3 photosynthetic pathway. This metabolic strategy involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, which, while requiring consistent water availability to keep stomata open for gas exchange, allows the plant to optimize biomass production during the favorable rainy seasons. To mitigate the physiological stress imposed by high temperatures and periodic water deficits typical of its habitat, the plant employs various structural and biochemical mechanisms to regulate transpiration and maintain cellular homeostasis. These include the regulation of stomatal conductance to balance carbon gain against water loss and the potential accumulation of compatible solutes to maintain osmotic potential within the tissues.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Caraipa grandifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Caraipa grandifolia has 18 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimelanomic

1. Dr. Duke