Anchor Plant

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Anchor plant
• Jet plane plant

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Condalia paradoxa
• Colletia exserta
• Colletia bictanensis
• Colletia cruciata
• Colletia insidiosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Colletia paradoxa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Rosales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rhamnaceae and the genus Colletia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the Southern Hemisphere. In Brazil, its presence is primarily recorded throughout the southern regions of the country. Moving across the continent, it can also be found in the northeastern parts of Argentina. Additionally, the species extends its range into the territory of Uruguay. Together, these locations define the natural geographical footprint of Colleatia paradoxa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Colleotia paradoxa is characterized by its adaptation to diverse topographical and vegetative environments, spanning a wide elevational gradient from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1300 m AMSL. This species thrives within specific ecosystem types, primarily inhabiting the high-altitude grasslands known as Campo de Altitude, as well as the seasonally dry environments of the Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual. This distribution indicates a capacity to persist in both open, high-elevation landscapes and seasonal forest structures, where moisture availability and temperature fluctuations vary significantly across its altitudinal range.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Colleatia paradoxa is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain a long-term presence in its natural habitat. As a perennial species, it does not follow the rapid, single-season cycle seen in annuals or the two-year transition of biennials; instead, it focuses on establishing a robust structural framework that supports continuous growth and periodic reproduction. Throughout its life cycle, the plant undergoes seasonal phases of vegetative development and flowering, utilizing its enduring root systems to survive varying environmental conditions. This perennial habit enables the plant to invest significant energy into woody growth and long-term survival, ensuring it can withstand fluctuations in its ecosystem over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Colleotia paradoxa is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a self-supporting shrub. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence without acting as a parasite on other organisms. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 5 meters, exhibiting a robust, woody structure that supports its upright, shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Colletia paradoxa 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. Natural product research

Chemicals

Colletia paradoxa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include RUTIN, quercetin, quercitrin.

RUTIN

1. Natural product research

quercetin

1. Natural product research

quercitrin

1. Natural product research

Activities

Colletia paradoxa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Colletia paradoxa has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extract of the leaves and branches.

Crude extract of the leaves and branches

1. Natural product research