Cratylia mollis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Cratylia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the South American continent. In the western region of the continent, it can be found growing within the borders of Bolivia. Its range also extends significantly toward the eastern side of the landmass. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the northeastern territories of Brazil. Consequently, its natural habitat spans from the Andean regions to the Brazilian coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cratylia mollis is characterized by its specialized adaptation to semi-arid environments, specifically inhabiting the Caatinga (stricto sensu) and Carrasco formations. Within these ecosystems, the species thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates where water availability is limited and vegetation is subject to intense solar radiation and periodic droughts. Its presence in the Carrasco—a transition zone or a specific type of scrubland—indicates an ability to tolerate nutrient-poor soils and high temperatures typical of these xeric landscapes. This ecological niche dictates its physiological strategies for moisture conservation and survival amidst the harsh, fluctuating conditions of the Brazilian Northeast's dry forests.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco

Morphology

The morphology of Cratylia mollis is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and self-supporting structure. Unlike climbing plants that function as lianas or vines, this species is a self-supporting organism that does not require external support to maintain its posture. It is strictly a terrestrial plant, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, and it does not function as an epiphyte in either a holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic capacity. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a consistent woody constitution throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cratylia mollis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include N-Benzoylphenylalaninyl N-benzoylphenylalaninate.

N-Benzoylphenylalaninyl N-benzoylphenylalaninate

1. Pharmaceutical biology