Erythroxylum citrifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range extending across parts of Central and South America. Within Central America, its presence is documented in the nations of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It can also be found further south in the region of Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, the species continues its distribution into French Guiana. Consequently, these specific locations define the known natural habitat for Erythroxylum citrifolium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum citrifolium is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This species exhibits significant ecological plasticity, inhabiting a diverse array of distinct biomes and vegetation structures. It is commonly found within the Cerrado (latu sensu), as well as in riparian environments such as Floresta Ciliar or Galeria. Additionally, its habitat extends to seasonally dry forests, known as Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, and high-moisture ecosystems including the Ombrophilous Forest (also referred to as Floresta Pluvial).

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

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

Life history

The life history of Erythroxylum citrifolium is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains a long-term presence in its natural habitat. Throughout its existence, the species maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding process.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum citrifolium is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which typically reaches a mean height of 4 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 8 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence without relying on other plants for support or nutrients. While it is categorized as a self-supporting structure rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, its robust, woody nature allows it to maintain its stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythroxylum citrifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. In terms of leaf structural composition, the plant exhibits a consistent leaf dry matter content (LDMC) with a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 480.6 mg/g, indicating a uniform density of organic matter within its foliar tissues. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than through symbiotic nitrogen fixation processes.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

480.6 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Erythroxylum citrifolium is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms rather than abiotic factors to facilitate the transfer of genetic material. The reproductive process is driven by insect-mediated pollination, where various insect species play a crucial role in the movement of pollen between flowers. Specifically, the plant demonstrates a specialized relationship with bees, which act as primary pollinators, ensuring successful fertilization through their foraging activities.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythroxylum citrifolium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include TROPACOCAINE.

TROPACOCAINE

1. Dr. Duke