Crossopetalum gaumeri

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myginda gaumeri
• Rhacoma gaumeri

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Crossopetalum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning parts of North and Central America. In Mexico, its distribution is primarily concentrated along the Gulf coast and throughout the southeastern regions of the country. Moving southward, the species can also be found within the borders of Central America. Specifically, it inhabits the tropical landscapes of Belize. Finally, its presence extends into the territory of Guatemala, completing its regional range.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Crossopetalum gaumeri is fundamentally defined by its existence within a forest habitat, where it thrives under the specific microclimatic conditions provided by a dense canopy. As a component of the forest ecosystem, this species relies on the stabilized temperature, consistent humidity, and filtered light typical of wooded environments to support its physiological processes. The structural complexity of the forest provides the necessary organic matter in the soil and the symbiotic fungal networks required for its nutrient uptake. Within this niche, the plant participates in the broader forest dynamics, interacting with local fauna for potential pollination or seed dispersal and contributing to the stratified layers of the forest understory or mid-canopy.

Habitat :

forest

Morphology

The morphology of Crossopetalum gaumeri is characterized by its woody structure and its classification as a shrubby growth form. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior toward other plants. In terms of its ecological habit and substrate relationship, the species is terrestrial rather than epiphytic, and it does not possess aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. Although it shares certain structural complexities found in climbing species, it is specifically characterized as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Crossopetalum gaumeri has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry
2. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Chemicals

Crossopetalum gaumeri has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Nimbiol.

Nimbiol

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Activities

Crossopetalum gaumeri has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Cytotoxic.

Antibacterial

1. Phytochemistry

Cytotoxic

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Crossopetalum gaumeri has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane extract, methanol extract of the roots, root bark.

Dichloromethane extract

1. Phytochemistry

Methanol extract of the roots

1. Phytochemistry

Root bark

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters