Comptonia peregrina

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the region of Eastern Canada. It can be found growing in the province of New Brunswick. Additionally, its presence extends into Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The species is also documented across the vast territory of Québec. Finally, its range includes parts of Ontario, completing its regional footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Comptonia peregrina is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived species, it does not follow the rapid turnover of annuals or the intermediate cycle of biennials, but instead focuses on sustained structural development and long-term survival. This perennial nature enables the plant to invest significant energy into woody growth and complex physiological processes, ensuring stability across varying environmental conditions over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Comptonia peregrina is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. This plant is a self-supporting organism, meaning it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it operates as an independent species without parasitic tendencies. It is a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one. In terms of its physical scale, it typically reaches an average height of approximately 0.61 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.61 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Comptonia peregrina is characterized by a primary photosynthetic pathway classified as C3, meaning it utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO. This metabolic process involves the initial fixation of $\text{CO}_2$ into a three-carbon compound, which is typical for many woody tropical species inhabiting shaded or seasonal forest environments. This C3 pathway dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and gas exchange dynamics, influencing how it manages transpiration and carbon assimilation under varying light intensities and humidity levels. Furthermore, its physiological framework supports the development of its specialized secondary metabolites and structural tissues, which are essential for its survival and growth within its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Comptonia peregrina is primarily driven by the production of seeds that facilitate the dispersal and establishment of new individuals within its habitat. The reproductive cycle involves the development of seeds that serve as the fundamental units for propagation. Quantifiable data regarding its reproductive output indicates that the seeds possess a specific weight profile, with a recorded seed mass mean of 0.01512 g. This relatively small seed mass suggests a strategy focused on producing a significant quantity of offspring to ensure survival through various environmental conditions. The successful germination and subsequent growth of these seeds are critical components of the species' life cycle and overall population dynamics.

Seed mass mean:

0.01512 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Comptonia peregrina has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Comptonia peregrina has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke