Coccoloba alnifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uvifera populifolia
• Coccoloba firma
• Coccoloba populifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is a member of the family Polygonaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Coccoloba, where it is known as Coccoloba alnifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Coccoloba alnifolia, exhibits a specific range across the South American landscape. Its presence is documented within the West-Central region of Brazil. Additionally, the species can be found thriving in the Northeast portion of the country. The distribution also extends into the Southeast territory of Brazil. Consequently, these three distinct regions define its primary geographical footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coccoloba alniifolia is characterized by its adaptability to diverse and often challenging Brazilian ecosystems, ranging from semi-arid environments to coastal fringes. It is predominantly found inhabiting the Caatinga (stricto sensu), where it must endure seasonal water scarcity, as well as within Floresta Ciliar or Galeria, where it benefits from the proximity to watercourses. Additionally, the species thrives in Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, adapting to seasonal changes in foliage and moisture, and is also a common component of the Restinga ecosystem, where it navigates sandy soils and saline influences. This wide distribution across varied biomes reflects its capacity to occupy multiple ecological niches, from seasonal tropical forests to specialized coastal and dry shrubland habitats.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Restinga

Morphology

The morphology of Coccoloba alniifolia is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 20 m. This species is a terrestrial plant, existing independently without being an epiphyte or a parasite. Unlike climbing species such as lianas or vines, it is a self-supporting organism that does not require external structures for vertical growth. Its structural integrity is maintained through its woody nature, distinguishing it from non-woody or herbaceous forms.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Coccoloba alnifolia 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. International journal of molecular sciences

Chemicals

Coccoloba alnifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isoorientin, Kanakugiol, Vitexin, p-Cumaric acid, tryptamine.

Isoorientin

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Kanakugiol

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Vitexin

1. International journal of molecular sciences

p-Cumaric acid

1. International journal of molecular sciences

tryptamine

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Conditions

Coccoloba alnifolia has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Preparations

Coccoloba alnifolia has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include AF (ethyl acetate), BF (butanol), aqueous extract (AE), leaf ethanolic extract (EE).

Af (ethyl acetate)

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Bf (butanol)

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Aqueous extract (ae)

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Leaf ethanolic extract (ee)

1. International journal of molecular sciences