Codonanthe gracilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Columnea gracilis
• Codonanthe picta
• Orobanche ventricosa
• Codonanthe ventricosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Gesneriaceae and is identified by the genus Codonanthe. As a member of the species Codonanthe gracilis, it occupies a specific niche within this complex biological hierarchy.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence across various regions of Brazil. Its natural habitat extends into the diverse landscapes found throughout the Northeast. Furthermore, the species can be found thriving within the Southeast region of the country. The geographical distribution also includes significant populations located in the South. Consequently, this medicinal plant occupies a broad territory across the Brazilian subcontinent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Codonanthe gracilis is characterized by its preference for the dense, humid environments of the Floresta Ombrófila, also known as the tropical rainforest or Floresta Pluvial. This species thrives within these moisture-rich ecosystems, occupying a diverse altitudinal gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum elevation of 900 m AMSL. Its distribution across these varying heights indicates an ability to adapt to the specific microclimates found within the stratified layers of the rainforest, ranging from lowland basins to mid-elevation forested zones.

Elevational range max:

900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Codonanthe gracilis is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived species, it avoids the complete die-back associated with annuals, instead focusing its energy on continuous vegetative growth and the development of a robust root system that supports its longevity. This perennial nature enables the plant to establish itself within its ecological niche, undergoing cyclic patterns of growth, flowering, and potential dormancy depending on environmental stability. By maintaining its biological presence over several years, the plant can accumulate resources necessary for successful reproductive cycles, ensuring a stable contribution to its population over time.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Codonanthe gracilis is characterized by a growth form that functions as a woody subshrub, exhibiting a self-supporting climbing habit rather than being an obligatory climber. Although it can exist in terrestrial environments, it also displays holoepiphyte tendencies, allowing it to inhabit various ecological niches. The plant is an independent organism, functioning without parasitic dependencies, and maintains a terrestrial presence within its typical habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

holoepiphyte

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Codonanthe gracilis 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. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Codonanthe gracilis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Phenols.

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research

Phenols

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Codonanthe gracilis has 9 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antihyperglycemic, Antimicrobial.

Analgesic

1. Natural product research

Antibacterial

1. Natural product research

Antifungal

1. Natural product research

Antihyperglycemic

1. Natural product research

Antimicrobial

1. Natural product research

Antispasmodic

1. Natural product research

Antitumor

1. Cells

Antiviral

1. Cells

Hypotensive

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Codonanthe gracilis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Orobanche crenata leaf extract.

Orobanche crenata leaf extract

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)