Combretum lanceolatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, its presence has been documented within the borders of Bolivia. Its range extends significantly into Brazil, covering a vast and diverse area. Specifically, it can be found throughout the North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central regions of Brazil. This widespread occurrence highlights the plant's ability to inhabit various ecological zones across these major territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Combretum lanceolatum is characterized by its adaptability to diverse Brazilian biomes, finding suitable growing conditions within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), the Cerrado (lato sensu), and the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). This plant is distributed across a low-lying altitudinal gradient, occupying a range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum elevation of 500 m AMSL. This distribution pattern suggests a preference for lowland environments and diverse moisture regimes, spanning from more arid scrublands to humid tropical forests.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Combretum lanceolatum is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are elevated above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that helps it navigate its specific environmental niche. This phanerophyte life form is further reinforced by its classification as a phanerophyte, ensuring that its vital growth points remain protected and elevated, contributing to its long-term survival and developmental stability within its habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Combretum lanceolatum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior, and is primarily a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing habits and is not an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 4 meters, supported by its robust, woody structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Combretum lanceolatum 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 flower.

Flower

1. Pharmaceutical biology