Drimys brasiliensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Drimys brasiliensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Canellales. Finally, it is a member of the family Winteraceae and is situated within the genus Drimys.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Western South America, specifically within the borders of Bolivia. In Brazil, its presence is widespread across several distinct macroregions. It can be found inhabiting the environments of the West-Central region as well as the Northeast. Additionally, the species extends into the Southeast portion of the country. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the South region of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Drimys brasiliensis is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level up to an elevation of 1800 m AMSL. This species exhibits significant ecological plasticity, inhabiting a diverse array of forest ecosystems including riparian or gallery forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), seasonal deciduous forests (Floresta Estacional Decidual), ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila, also known as rainforest), and mixed ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila Mista). These varied habitats indicate its ability to thrive in both humid tropical environments and more seasonal or temperate-influenced forest structures across different elevations.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Drimys brasiliensis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years through continuous growth and seasonal cycles. Throughout its lifespan, it maintains a consistent foliage profile due to being an evergreen species, ensuring that it retains its leaves regardless of the season.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Drimys brasiliensis is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 5 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 12 m. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently without behaving as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a self-supporting structure rather than functioning as a liana, vine, or climbing plant. Its physical development is defined by its woody nature, establishing a stable and perennial presence in its environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Drimys brasiliensis is characterized by its metabolic adaptations to temperate and subtropical forest ecosystems, where it functions as a perennial woody species with specialized biochemical pathways. A key physiological aspect involves its secondary metabolism, specifically the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds such as methyl salicylate and various terpenoids, which serve as chemical defense mechanisms against herbivory and fungal pathogens. Regarding its nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the physiological machinery and symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobium or Frankia) required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its nitrogen metabolism is strictly dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its photosynthetic efficiency and growth patterns are closely regulated by seasonal temperature fluctuations and light availability, typical of its native habitat in the Atlantic Forest.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Drimys brasiliensis 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 stem.

Stem

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Chemicals

Drimys brasiliensis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Polygodial, 9-Deoxymuzigadial, Bicyclogermacrene, Cyclocolorenone, Drimanial.

Polygodial

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

9-Deoxymuzigadial

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Bicyclogermacrene

1. Parasitology research

Cyclocolorenone

1. Parasitology research

Drimanial

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Fuegin

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

alpha-Gurjunene

1. Parasitology research

Conditions

Drimys brasiliensis has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Schistosoma mansoni, cancer, leukemia, schistosomiasis.

Schistosoma mansoni

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cancer

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Leukemia

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Schistosomiasis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Drimys brasiliensis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hexane extract, stem bark extracts.

Hexane extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem bark extracts

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology