Cenostigma bracteosum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is found across several distinct regions within the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is specifically noted in Bolivia. Moving into Brazil, the species maintains a broad range that extends into the North region. It is also documented to grow within the Northeast part of Brazil. Finally, its distribution includes the West-Central areas of the Brazilian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cenostiigma bracteosum is defined by its presence across a diverse range of Brazilian biomes, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying environmental conditions. It is commonly found within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it must endure semi-arid conditions, as well as in the Carrasco and Cerrado (lato sensu) formations, which involve complex interactions with seasonal moisture availability and specific soil types. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Floresta Estacional Decidual, indicating an ability to thrive in seasonal deciduous forests characterized by distinct wet and dry cycles. This broad ecological amplitude allows the species to occupy various niches within these heterogeneous landscapes, navigating the climatic shifts and soil compositions inherent to these distinct vegetation types.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual

Morphology

The morphology of Cenostiigma bracteosum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. This species functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies, and is classified as a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one. Unlike climbing vines, lianas, or obligatory climbers, this plant is self-supporting in its growth habit and does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly terrestrial. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 15 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cenostima bracteosum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and resource acquisition strategies. In this pathway, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs through the enzyme Rubisco, leading to the direct formation of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. This metabolic route implies that the plant relies on relatively stable environmental conditions with adequate moisture to maintain stomatal conductance, as the C3 mechanism is susceptible to photorespiration when CO2 concentrations drop or temperatures rise. Consequently, the plant's energy assimilation and carbon sequestration are tightly linked to its ability to manage water loss while optimizing light interception for glucose production.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cenostigma bracteosum 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. Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission