Conchocarpus coeruleus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific environmental conditions of South America. Its documented presence is concentrated within the borders of Brazil. Specifically, the geographical distribution of Conchocarpus coeruleus is located in the Northeast region of the country. This localized occurrence suggests that the species thrives in the unique climates found there. Therefore, researchers focusing on this medicinal plant should direct their studies toward the Brazilian Northeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Conchocarpus coeruleus is characterized by its presence in specific tropical ecosystems, primarily inhabiting Ombrophilous Forests (Rainforests) and Restinga environments. In the humid, high-precipitation conditions of the Ombrophilous Forest, the species thrives within the complex structural layers of the rainforest, where it benefits from consistent moisture levels and filtered sunlight. Additionally, its occurrence in Restinga habitats—coastal sandy ecosystems—demonstrates a degree of ecological plasticity, allowing it to adapt to the distinct soil compositions and salt spray influences typical of these coastal formations. This distribution suggests a preference for environments that provide significant water availability and specific niche conditions found within these lush or coastal transitional landscapes.

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Morphology

The morphology of Conchocarpus coeruleus is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 7 meters. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. Although some related structures in similar taxa may exhibit climbing tendencies, this species is classified as self-supporting in both its climbing and structural capacities, rather than being an obligatory or facultative vine or liana.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Conchocarpus coeruleus 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Conchocarpus coeruleus has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include butanol fraction.

Butanol fraction

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology