Chromolaena hookeriana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysocoma maculata
• Eupatorium conyzoides var. ciliatum
• Eupatorium jujuiense
• Chromolaena jujuiensis
• Eupatorium hookerianum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the order Asterales and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Chromolaena.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of South America. In Western South America, its presence is noted within the borders of Bolivia. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it can be found in the northeastern regions of Argentina. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the northwestern territories of Argentina. Together, these locations define the natural range of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chromolaena hookerianan is characterized by its ability to thrive across diverse topographical gradients, specifically occupying a broad altitudinal niche. This species is distributed within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 400 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an adaptability to varying climatic conditions, ranging from warmer, lower-altitude environments to the cooler, potentially more temperate zones found at higher elevations. Such an expansive range indicates that the plant can tolerate a variety of thermal and moisture regimes typically encountered across these different mountain profiles.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Chromolaena hookerianana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment across multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it avoids the complete die-back seen in annuals, often establishing a robust root system that supports long-term survival and the ability to regrow after periods of dormancy or environmental stress. This multi-year lifecycle enables the plant to invest significant energy into structural growth and reproductive capacity, often resulting in a variable growth pattern that can adapt to shifting seasonal conditions. Through its perennial nature, the plant maintains a continuous presence in its ecological niche, contributing to its ability to colonize and sustain populations over extended durations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Chromolaena hookerianana is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a self-supporting shrub. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite and is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. The plant exhibits a robust, self-supporting structural habit rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. Its physical development is defined by its woody nature, distinguishing it from herbaceous or graminoid species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chromolaena hookeriana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID, RUTIN, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin.

NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

RUTIN

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

ferulic acid

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

p-coumaric acid

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

quercetin

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)