Peruvian Viagra

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Peruvian Viagra

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Itoasia crassa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Santalales and the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Corynaea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution stretching across several regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is documented in the countries of Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, the species can be found within the territory of Venezuela. Its range extends further into Western South America, where it is located in Colombia. Additionally, the plant reaches as far south as Bolivia, completing its wide ecological footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Corynaea crassa is characterized by its presence within specific altitudinal gradients of montane ecosystems, where it thrives across a significant vertical span. This species is typically found inhabiting environments ranging from a minimum elevation of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 3000 m AMSL. This broad elevational range suggests an adaptability to varying climatic conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure associated with montane transitions. Within these altitudinal limits, the plant occupies niches defined by the specific soil compositions and moisture levels characteristic of high-altitude cloud forests or temperate montane woodlands, playing a functional role in the complex biological interactions of these sensitive ecological zones.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Corynaea crassa is characterized by its classification as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a growth form that is predominantly terrestrial rather than aquatic or semiaquatic. As a self-supporting organism, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit obligatory or facultative climbing habits. The plant is an independent species, lacking any obligatory parasitic relationship with other organisms. Furthermore, its ecological positioning is strictly terrestrial, meaning it does not function as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other form of epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

obligatory

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Corynaea crassa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include azelaic acid, eugenol.

azelaic acid

1. Genes

eugenol

1. Genes

Preparations

Corynaea crassa has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extracts.

Hydroalcoholic extracts

1. Genes