Coccoloba cereifera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Coccoloba.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range within South America. Its presence is primarily documented in the nation of Brazil. Within the country, the distribution is concentrated specifically in the Southeast region. This localized occurrence suggests that the species thrives under the particular environmental conditions found in these Brazilian territories. Consequently, its habitat remains restricted to this particular part of the Brazilian landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coccoloba cereifera is fundamentally defined by its specialization in the Campo Rupestre ecosystem, a unique high-altitude rupicolous vegetation type characterized by rocky outcrops and nutrient-poor soils. Within this habitat, the species thrives in environments shaped by intense solar radiation, high diurnal temperature fluctuations, and well-drained, sandy, or stony substrates. The plant is adapted to the oligotrophic conditions of these rocky landscapes, where it must navigate periodic water scarcity and the specific microclimates provided by the crevices of quartzitic or ferruginous formations. This niche specialization allows it to play a structural role within the scrubby, heterogeneous landscape of the Campo Rupestre, contributing to the complex biotic interactions typical of these high-elevation tropical environments.

Habitat :

Campo Rupestre

Morphology

The morphology of Coccoloba cereifera is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, functioning as a self-supporting plant within its ecosystem. It is strictly a terrestrial species, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining rooted in the ground rather than growing on other vegetation. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, relying on its own structural integrity and nutrient acquisition through its woody tissues.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Coccoloba cereifera has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols.

polyphenols

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Conditions

Coccoloba cereifera has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Preparations

Coccoloba cereifera has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM