Combretum leprosum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Combretum leptostachyum
• Combretum hasslerianum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Myrtales and is a member of the family Combretaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Combretum, which includes the medicinal species Combretum leprosum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout various regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found specifically in Bolivia. Its presence is also widespread across the vast territory of Brazil. Within Brazil, it inhabits the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. Additionally, the species is documented to grow throughout the West-Central part of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Combretum leprosum is characterized by its presence across a diverse range of Brazilian biomes, including the Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, and Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to varying environmental conditions within these ecosystems, thriving across a broad altitudinal gradient. Its elevational range extends from sea level up to a maximum of 500 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy both lowland and slightly elevated terrains within its natural distribution.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Combretum leprosum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a phanerophyte, a life form where the permanent organs and buds are located well above the ground, typically within a woody framework. This phanerophytic nature is further specified as a phanerophyte, indicating its robust growth habit and its ability to maintain its vegetative structure through various environmental conditions.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Combretum leprosum is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as either a tree or a shrub. As a terrestrial species, it is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly non-epiphytic existence. The plant exhibits a versatile climbing habit, acting as a facultative climber while remaining capable of being self-supporting. In terms of stature, it is a substantial plant with a mean height of approximately 12 m, though it can reach a maximum height of up to 25 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Combretum leprosum is characterized by a complex set of metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niches, primarily focusing on efficient resource acquisition and survival in nutrient-variable environments. Regarding its symbiotic capabilities, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules containing diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms; instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its metabolic framework involves robust photosynthetic pathways that support rapid growth during favorable moisture periods, alongside advanced mechanisms for water regulation to prevent desiccation. The plant also demonstrates specific physiological responses to light intensity and temperature fluctuations, utilizing secondary metabolites to mitigate oxidative stress and defend against herbivory, which are integral to its overall physiological resilience.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Combretum leprosum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers. Within this biological framework, the plant utilizes multiple specialized mechanisms to ensure successful fertilization, primarily involving insect pollination. Specifically, the pollination process is heavily dependent on bees, which act as key pollinators in the reproductive cycle. This reliance on biotic vectors, particularly the interaction between the floral structures and various insect species such as bees, ensures the genetic exchange necessary for the plant's continued propagation and survival.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Combretum leprosum has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, root, stem.

Flower

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Combretum leprosum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, 5,3',4'-Trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,3'-Dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, Arjunolic acid, Flavonoids.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Journal of biomedical science

5,3',4'-Trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

5,3'-Dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Arjunolic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Combretum leprosum has 5 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Spasmolytic.

Antinociceptive

1. Journal of biomedical science

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cytotoxic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Genotoxic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Spasmolytic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Combretum leprosum has 14 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include breast cancer, inflammation, pain, Bothrops jararaca venom, Parkinson's disease.

Breast cancer

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Inflammation

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Bothrops jararaca venom

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Parkinson's disease

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Asthma

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Collagenase

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cough

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Glioblastoma

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Hyaluronidase

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Combretum leprosum has 4 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Combretum leprosum extract, ethanolic extract, ethanolic extract (EE), extract.

Combretum leprosum extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ethanolic extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ethanolic extract (ee)

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology