Chresta sphaerocephala

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vernonia echioides f. sublaevigata
• Chresta cordata
• Chresta intermedia
• Eremanthus sphaerocephalus
• Eremanthus sphaerocephalus var. intermedius
• Vernonia echinops

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and falls under the genus Chresta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the South American landscape. Within the country of Brazil, it can be found stretching across the West-Central region. Its presence also extends into the diverse ecosystems of the Brazil Northeast area. Furthermore, the species is documented to grow throughout the Brazil Southeast territory. Finally, its geographical reach concludes in the southern reaches of the Brazil South region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chresta sphaerocephala is characterized by its occurrence within anthropogenic areas and the Cerrado (latto sensu) biome, reflecting an ability to persist in both modified landscapes and native savanna environments. This species occupies a specific altitudinal niche, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 500 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Chresta sphaerocephala is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its existence over multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. This long-term survival strategy allows the species to establish a robust presence within its ecological niche, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases. As a perennial, the plant can allocate resources toward long-term structural development, which often contributes to its resilience and ability to thrive across varying environmental conditions over an extended period.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Chresta sphaerocephala is characterized by a growth form classified as a subshrub, exhibiting a non-woody structure. This species functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than occupying aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic niches. Furthermore, it is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing habits, such as being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chresta sphaerocephala has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Steroids, triterpenoids.

Steroids

1. Ultrasonics sonochemistry

triterpenoids

1. Ultrasonics sonochemistry