cherry-of-the-Rio Grande

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• cherry-of-the-Rio Grande
• Cherry of the Rio Grande
• Savanna Cherry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Phyllocalyx formosus
• Eugenia lundiana
• Eugenia strictissima
• Eugenia involucrata var. minutifolia
• Phyllocalyx regelianus
• Eugenia jaguariaivensis var. brevipedunculata
• Phyllocalyx riedelianus
• Phyllocalyx strictus
• Eugenia suffrutescens var. brevipedunculata
• Phyllocalyx herbaceus
• Phyllocalyx involucratus
• Phyllocalyx laevigatus
• Phyllocalyx calycinus
• Phyllocalyx calystegius
• Eugenia goyazensis
• Eugenia pallescens
• Eugenia neoformosa
• Eugenia suffrutescens
• Myrtus aggregata
• Eugenia cavalcanteana
• Eugenia calystegia
• Eugenia calycina
• Eugenia calycina var. herbacea
• Stenocalyx involucratus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Eugenia involucrata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Eugenia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several distinct regions of South America. Its distribution is notably extensive within Brazil, where it can be found in the West-Central, Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. Beyond the borders of Brazil, the species also inhabits the territory of Bolivia. These various locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across diverse environmental zones in Western South America. Consequently, its range spans a significant portion of the continent's tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eugenia involucrata is characterized by its adaptability to diverse Brazilian biomes, specifically thriving within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), the Cerrado (lato sensu), and the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. This species occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, demonstrating significant resilience to varying topographical conditions as it ranges from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1200 m AMSL. This wide elevational and habitat distribution allows the plant to integrate into various ecological niches, from semi-arid shrublands to seasonal deciduous forests.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Eugenia involucrata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its growth habit and structural classification, it exhibits characteristics of both phanerophytes and chamaephytes, depending on its developmental stage and environmental adaptation, though it is specifically noted to function as a nanophanerophyte. Furthermore, the plant follows a deciduous phenology, undergoing a seasonal shedding of its foliage as part of its natural reproductive and survival strategy.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Eugenia involucrata is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a tree. As a terrestrial species, it functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its physical stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical development, with an average height of approximately 6.75 m, though it can reach a maximum height of up to 20 m. Structurally, the plant is classified as self-supporting, lacking the climbing habits of lianas or vines.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

6.75 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Eugenia involucrata is characterized by specific structural and metabolic parameters, particularly regarding its lignified tissues and nutrient acquisition strategies. The plant exhibits a highly consistent Stem Specific Density (SSD), with recorded values showing no variance across its measured range; both the minimum (SSD_min), mean (SSD_mean), and maximum (SSD_max) values are documented at 900 mg/cm³. This uniform density suggests a highly stable development of xylem and cortical tissues, contributing to the mechanical integrity of the stem. In terms of nutrient cycling and nitrogen metabolism, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer (Nitrogen_fix_1: no), meaning it relies on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system rather than through symbiotic diazotrophic associations.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Stem specific density (SSD) min:

900 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Eugenia involucrata is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. Within these fleshy structures, the seeds exhibit significant morphological variability in terms of both weight and size. The seed mass ranges from a minimum of 0.002084 g to a maximum of 0.059 g, with an average seed mass recorded at 0.030542 g. In terms of physical dimensions, the seed volume remains highly consistent, with both the minimum and maximum values, as well as the mean volume, measured at 520 mm³. This combination of fleshy fruit characteristics and specific seed metrics defines the reproductive output and dispersal potential of the species.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass max:

0.059 g

Seed mass mean:

0.030542 g

Seed mass min:

0.002084 g

Seed volume max:

520 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eugenia involucrata 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Chemicals

Eugenia involucrata has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Tannins, Epicatechin, Epicatechin gallate, Gallic acid.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. Natural product research

Tannins

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. Natural product research

Epicatechin

1. Microbial pathogenesis

Epicatechin gallate

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Microbial pathogenesis

Myricitrin

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Proanthocyanidins

1. Natural product research

Saponins

1. Natural product research

Steroids

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Terpenes

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Activities

Eugenia involucrata has 5 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, Cytoprotective, Cytotoxic, Genoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research
2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Antigenotoxic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytoprotective

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Genoprotective

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations