Garcinia brasiliensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rheedia brasiliensis
• Garcinia brasiliensis var. parvifolia
• Rheedia brasiliensis var. salicifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Malpighiales, it is further organized into the family Clusiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Garcinia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily documented within a specific regional context. Its known geographical distribution is concentrated within the nation of Brazil. More specifically, the species can be found inhabiting the Southeast region of the country. This localized presence suggests that the environmental conditions of this area are ideal for its growth. Consequently, researchers focusing on this species should prioritize studies within the Brazilian Southeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Garcinia bracciolensis is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, frequently colonizing disturbed areas where environmental conditions may be in flux. Its presence in such habitats suggests a resilient nature, allowing it to persist in modified landscapes while maintaining its niche within its specific elevational limits.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Disturbed areas

Life history

The life history of Garcinia brasiliense is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple years of growth and maintains its biological functions over a long lifespan. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains lush and functional across different seasons rather than shedding all its leaves annually. This combination of a perennial lifecycle and evergreen deciduousness allows the species to maintain continuous photosynthetic activity, supporting its long-term development and reproductive stability within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Garcinia brasiliensis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or vine. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic habits, nor does it act as a parasite, maintaining an independent lifestyle. The plant's stature is substantial, with an average height of approximately 6 m, though it possesses the capacity to reach a maximum height of up to 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Garcinia brasiliense is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and energy production. The structural integrity and biomass accumulation of the plant are supported by a stem specific density (SSD) with a mean value of 620 mg/cm³, reflecting its wood density and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic biological mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and must rely on the uptake of nitrogen from the surrounding soil environment.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

620 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Garcinia brasiliensis is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits that facilitate efficient seed dissemination. The plant exhibits a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to distribute its seeds, though it can also be categorized under broader dispersal strategies such as anemochorous, autochorous, hydrochorous, or unspecialized. The seeds themselves are remarkably consistent in their physical dimensions, maintaining a uniform seed volume of exactly 860 mm³. This consistency extends to the seed mass, which is measured at a constant 0.96 g, with no recorded deviation between the minimum, maximum, and mean values. These specific morphological traits, combined with the fleshy nature of the fruit, ensure a specialized reproductive cycle tailored for successful propagation within its ecosystem.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass mean:

0.96 g

Seed volume max:

860 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Garcinia brasiliensis has 2 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, fruit.

Leaf

1. Food & function
2. Journal of medicinal food
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Fruit

1. Journal of medicinal food

Chemicals

Garcinia brasiliensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-epiclusianone, Fukugetin.

7-epiclusianone

1. Planta medica
2. Journal of medicinal food

Fukugetin

1. Planta medica
2. Journal of medicinal food

Activities

Garcinia brasiliensis has 14 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antinociceptive, Anticancer, Antifungal.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology
3. Food & function
4. Journal of medicinal food

Antimicrobial

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Food & function

Antinociceptive

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Anticancer

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antifungal

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antihistaminic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiulcerogenic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiviral

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cardioprotective

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

1. Food & function

Medicinal Uses

Garcinia brasiliensis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, leishmaniasis, pain, arthritis, infections.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations