Chaetogastra kingii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tibouchina kingii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Melastomaceae and the genus Chaetogastra. Specifically, it is identified by the species name Chaetogastra kingii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is specifically documented within a very narrow geographical range. It is primarily found located in the western region of South America. Within this continent, its presence is specifically noted in the country of Colombia. Because its distribution is so localized, it represents a unique component of the regional flora. Consequently, the species is considered endemic to this specific South American territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chaetogastra kingii is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution within montane environments, occupying a vertical niche that spans a significant gradient. This species thrives across an elevational range starting from a minimum of 1100 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2700 m AMSL. This broad range suggests an ability to adapt to varying climatic conditions, from the warmer, more humid lower montane zones to the cooler, potentially more temperate or sub-alpine conditions found at higher altitudes. Such a distribution pattern indicates that the plant is capable of navigating diverse microclimates and soil compositions found within these mid-to-high elevation ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1100 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Chaetogastra kingii is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic lifestyle. Although it possesses certain climbing tendencies, it is categorized as a self-supporting entity rather than an obligatory liana or vine. Furthermore, the plant does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning and growth habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Chaetogastra kingii has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Cytoprotective

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM