Gustavia hexapetala

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Gustavia eximia
• Gustavia pterocarpa
• Gustavia fustis-mortui
• Gustavia fastuosa
• Gustavia fastuosa var. angustisepala
• Gustavia fastuosa var. latisepala
• Gustavia brasiliana
• Gustavia brasiliana var. minor
• Eschweilera carrii
• Japarandiba fastuosa
• Japarandiba pterocarpa
• Japarandiba hexapetala
• Japarandiba brasiliana
• Pirigara hexapetala

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Gustavia hexapetala, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the Lecythidaceae family and the genus Gustavia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the northern regions of South America. It can be found growing within the borders of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Additionally, its presence extends into the territory of Venezuela. Beyond the northern coast, the species also inhabits parts of western South America, specifically in Bolivia. Together, these locations define the natural range of Gustavia hexapetala.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Gustavia hexapetala is characterized by its specific niche within the tropical forest landscape, where it is primarily found inhabiting Floresta de Terra Firme. This species thrives in these non-flooded forest environments, occupying a distinct altitudinal gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This elevational range allows the plant to exist across a variety of low-to-mid altitude terrestrial ecosystems, where the stable conditions of the terra firme forests provide the necessary structural and environmental stability for its growth.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Life history

The life history of Gustavia hexapetala is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form that maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody stems above the soil surface. Within this grouping, it specifically exhibits characteristics of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a growth habit where the persistent buds and woody structures are held at varying heights, typically ranging from small shrubs to larger woody plants. This life form strategy allows the species to navigate its ecological niche by protecting its regenerative buds from seasonal environmental stressors, ensuring long-term survival through a perennial woody architecture.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Gustavia hexapetala is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 25 meters. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite and maintains a terrestrial habit, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. The plant is strictly terrestrial rather than epiphytic, and it is classified as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber, liana, or vine. Its development is defined by significant woodiness, supporting its stature within its natural ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Gustavia hexapetala is characterized by a primary metabolic reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common mechanism among many woody tropical species that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle. This carbon fixation process occurs within the mesophyll cells, where CO2 is incorporated into three-carbon organic compounds, facilitating the production of carbohydrates necessary for growth, structural development, and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The plant's physiological efficiency is inherently tied to its ability to manage transpiration and gas exchange within its specific ecological niche, utilizing stomatal conductance to balance the intake of CO2 with the loss of water vapor. This C3 metabolic framework underpins the energetic processes that drive the plant's cellular respiration, nutrient transport, and the overall physiological maintenance of its tissues.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Gustavia hexapetala is characterized by specific seed morphologies and specialized dispersal mechanisms. The plant produces seeds with a highly consistent physical profile, exhibiting a uniform seed mass of 0.175 g, which serves as both the minimum and maximum recorded value, as well as the mean mass. Similarly, the seed volume is remarkably stable, with a minimum, maximum, and mean value all measured at exactly 1000 mm³. In terms of propagation strategy, the species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to facilitate the movement and distribution of its seeds within its ecosystem.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed mass mean:

0.175 g

Seed volume max:

1000 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Gustavia hexapetala has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gustastatin, betulinic acid, portentol.

Gustastatin

1. Journal of natural products

betulinic acid

1. Journal of natural products

portentol

1. Journal of natural products