Deguelia hatschbachii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is a specific medicinal species characterized by its unique regional presence. Its geographical distribution is notably concentrated within the country of Brazil. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Southeast region of the nation. This limited range suggests that the plant thrives under the particular environmental conditions of that area. Consequently, researchers focusing on this species primarily direct their field studies toward these Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Deguelia hatschbachii is characterized by its occurrence within diverse and specialized forest ecosystems, primarily thriving in coastal forests (Floresta Ciliar) or gallery forests (Floresta de Galeria), which provide the necessary moisture and riparian stability for its development. Furthermore, the species is found in seasonal semi-deciduous forests (Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual), where it must adapt to more pronounced fluctuations in water availability, as well as in ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila), including pluvial forests (Floresta Pluvial) that offer high humidity and consistent rainfall. This distribution across varying forest types indicates a capacity to inhabit environments ranging from high-moisture riparian corridors to seasonally dry tropical woodlands and perennially humid rainforests.

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Deguelia hatschbachii is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecosystem. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round rather than shedding leaves seasonally. This combination of a multi-year lifecycle and continuous leaf retention influences its physiological stability and its ability to engage in photosynthesis across varying environmental conditions.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Deguelia hatschbachii is characterized by its growth form as a tree, exhibiting a variable degree of woodiness throughout its structure. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte or an aquatic plant, nor does it act as a parasite, remaining an independent organism within its habitat. The plant displays significant vertical development, with a mean height of approximately 6 meters, though it is capable of reaching a maximum height of up to 18 meters. Although it possesses certain structural characteristics, it is classified as self-supporting rather than a climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

variable

Physiology

The physiology of Deguelia hatschbachii is characterized by specialized metabolic processes that support its growth in nutrient-limited environments, most notably through its capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation. As a nitrogen fixer, the plant maintains a complex physiological relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, typically housed within specialized root nodule structures, which allows it to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms like ammonia. This nitrogen fixation capability is a key physiological trait that enables the plant to thrive in nitrogen-poor soils, reducing its dependence on external soil nitrates. Beyond its nitrogenous metabolism, the plant's physiological framework involves sophisticated secondary metabolite production, which serves as a chemical defense mechanism, and regulated photosynthetic pathways designed to optimize energy capture under its specific environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Deguelia hatschbachii is driven by biotic pollination mechanisms, indicating a biological reliance on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This process is characterized by an insect-driven pollination syndrome, where various insect species play a critical role in the reproductive cycle. Specifically, the plant's reproductive success depends on these biotic interactions, utilizing insect vectors to ensure the movement of genetic material between flowers.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Deguelia hatschbachii 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 root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Deguelia hatschbachii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane extract.

Dichloromethane extract

1. Phytochemistry