Castela coccinea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of South America. In Western South America, its presence is documented within the country of Bolivia. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it can be found in the northeast of Argentina. Additionally, the species inhabits the northwest regions of Argentina. Finally, its geographical range extends into the territory of Paraguay.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Castela coccinea is defined by its adaptation to a broad altitudinal gradient, allowing it to occupy diverse topographical niches. This species thrives across an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, enabling the plant to persist in both lowland coastal or riverine environments and mid-elevation habitats. Such a range implies that the plant can tolerate varying atmospheric pressures and temperature fluctuations characteristic of transitioning from lowlands to montane foothills.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Castela coccinea is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural growth strategy and positioning within its ecosystem, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are elevated above the ground level on woody stems or branches.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Castela coccinea is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, functioning as a self-sufficient plant. In terms of its ecological positioning, it is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. The plant possesses a self-supporting structure, meaning it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and instead relies on its own woody stems for stability. Regarding its physical dimensions, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 10 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Castela coccinea 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Castela coccinea has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Castela coccinea has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves and bark.

Leaves and bark

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology