Guettarda platypoda

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Matthiola platypoda

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 the order Gentianales, it falls into the family Rubiaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Guettarda and the species name platypoda.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence across several major regions within the country of Brazil. Its natural habitat extends significantly into the Brazil Northeast, where it adapts to the local environment. Furthermore, the species can be found thriving throughout the Brazil Southeast territory. The distribution also reaches deep into the Brazil North region, showcasing its versatility. Collectively, these areas define the primary geographical footprint of Guettarda platypoda.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Guettarda platypoda is fundamentally defined by its specialized adaptation to the Restinga ecosystem, a coastal vegetation zone characterized by sandy soils and high environmental variability. Within this unique habitat, the species thrives in sandy substrates that are often nutrient-poor and subject to frequent salt spray and intense solar radiation. The Restinga environment imposes specific physiological pressures, requiring the plant to tolerate fluctuations in soil moisture and high salinity levels typical of maritime proximity. By occupying this niche, Guettarda platypoda plays a role in the structural complexity of the coastal shrubland, contributing to the stabilization of sand dunes and the maintenance of local biodiversity within these sensitive transition zones.

Habitat :

Restinga

Life history

The life history of Guettarda platypoda is characterized by its growth strategy and structural classification within its ecosystem. This species functions primarily as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located well above the ground on aerial shoots, allowing it to maintain a stable presence in its habitat. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and developmental stages it encounters, its growth habit may also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, representing a transitional form between low-growing shrubs and larger woody plants. This dual capacity for structural persistence ensures its survival through varying seasonal shifts, utilizing its elevated buds to endure environmental pressures while maintaining a perennial life cycle.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Guettarda platypoda is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum plant height of 6 meters. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic behavior, and is primarily a terrestrial species, though it may occupy semiaquatic habitats. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or an epiphyte, maintaining a stable terrestrial existence without requiring host support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Guettarda platypoda 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. Pharmacological research communications

Chemicals

Guettarda platypoda has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Loganic acid, Loganin, Secoxyloganin, Sweroside.

Loganic acid

1. Pharmacological research communications

Loganin

1. Pharmacological research communications

Secoxyloganin

1. Pharmacological research communications

Sweroside

1. Pharmacological research communications