bat's souari

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bat's souari

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rhizobolus glaber
• Saouari glabra

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Caryocaraceae and is categorized under the genus Caryocar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of South America. In Northern South America, its presence is documented in French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. It also grows within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward Western South America, the species can be found in Bolivia. Together, these locations define the specific geographical range of Caryocar glabrum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Caryocar glabrum is characterized by its preference for specific forest structures and altitudinal gradients within its native range. This species primarily inhabits Floresta de Terra Firme, where it thrives in stable, non-flooded forest ecosystems. Its distribution across varying landscapes is defined by a distinct elevational range, occurring from a minimum altitude of 100 m AMSL up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Life history

The life history of Caryocar glabrum is characterized by a long-term biological strategy as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, the species is classified as a phanerophyte, a life form where the primary reproductive and vegetative buds are elevated well above the ground on woody stems, protecting them from various environmental stressors. This phanoperphyte growth habit is consistent across its developmental stages, ensuring that its vital structures remain elevated, which is typical for trees and large shrubs within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Caryocar glabrum is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial throughout its life cycle. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite on other vegetation. In terms of structural support, it is a self-supporting species rather than a climber, liana, or vine. The stature of the plant is significant, with a mean height of approximately 25 m, though it has the capacity to reach a maximum height of up to 50 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

50 m

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Caryocar glabrum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process and metabolic efficiency under typical environmental conditions. Unlike plants utilizing C4 or CAM pathways, this species relies on the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme Rubisco within the mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, necessitating the uptake of nitrogen through its root system from the surrounding soil matrix.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Caryocar glabrum is characterized by specific seed morphologies and dispersal mechanisms that facilitate its propagation within its ecosystem. The seeds produced by this species exhibit a highly uniform mass, with a recorded mean, maximum, and minimum value all reaching 6.9 g. This consistency in seed size suggests a stabilized reproductive strategy regarding nutrient investment per offspring. Regarding the movement of these seeds away from the parent plant, the species primarily employs a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport the seeds to new locations. While its dispersal strategies may include elements of being unspecialized, the primary biological driver for its spatial distribution is through animal interactions.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed mass mean:

6.9 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Caryocar glabrum 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Caryocar glabrum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hederagenin, bayogenin, gypsogenic acid.

Hederagenin

1. Journal of natural products

bayogenin

1. Journal of natural products

gypsogenic acid

1. Journal of natural products