sinicuichi

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• sinicuichi
• willow-leaf heimia
• sun opener

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nesaea syphilitica
• Decodon salicifolius
• Heimia grandiflora
• Heimia salicifolia var. grandiflora
• Heimia syphilitica
• Chrysolyga salicifolia
• Lythrum flavum
• Nesaea salicifolia
• Ludwigia bertonii
• Heimia linariifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Myrtales and falls under the family Lythraceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its classification under the genus Heimia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and fragmented geographical distribution across several different continents. Within the Macaronesian islands, it can be found specifically in the Azores. Its range extends to Australia, where it is located in the state of Queensland. In North America, the species is present in the South-Central United States, particularly in Texas. Finally, it inhabits various parts of Mexico, including both the central and northeastern regions of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Heimia salicifolia is characterized by its ability to inhabit a wide variety of altitudinal gradients, spanning an elevational range from 0 m AMSL to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. Within these diverse topographical settings, the species is notably found in habitats such as Campo Limpo, where it adapts to the specific light and soil conditions of these open, grassy environments.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo Limpo

Life history

The life history of Heimia salicifolia is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are elevated above the ground level, typically supported by a woody or semi-woody structure. The plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal cycle. In terms of its structural classification, it is identified as a phanerophyte, a growth form that enables it to maintain its vitality and structural integrity across its lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Heimia salicifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a shrub. It exhibits a self-supporting structure, functioning as neither a climber nor a vine, and reaches an average plant height of approximately 2 meters. The species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, functioning as an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Heimia salicifolia is characterized by specialized metabolic processes geared toward survival in diverse ecological niches, though it does not possess the biological mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen sequestration. Specifically, regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, typically found in the root nodules of certain legumes. Instead, it relies on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and vegetative growth. Its physiological functions are further defined by its unique secondary metabolism, which involves the biosynthesis of complex alkaloids that serve as chemical defense mechanisms, and a photosynthetic framework optimized to manage varying light intensities and moisture availability.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Heimia salicifolia is characterized by the production of minute seeds that play a crucial role in its dispersal and establishment within its natural habitat. The reproductive output is marked by extreme uniformity in seed size, with a recorded seed mass mean of 1e-04 g. This consistency is reflected in the seed's physical parameters, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are also measured at 1e-04 g. Such standardized, lightweight seeds suggest a reproductive strategy optimized for efficient distribution, likely aided by environmental factors such as wind or water, ensuring the species can colonize suitable substrates effectively.

Seed mass mean:

1e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Heimia salicifolia has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lyfoline, Vertine, Cryogenine, Lythrine, Nesodine.

Lyfoline

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Vertine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cryogenine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lythrine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Nesodine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Decinine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

Heimidine

1. Dr. Duke

Lythridine

1. Dr. Duke

Saponins

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Heimia salicifolia has 64 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ACE-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, AntiGTF, AntiHIV.

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

AntiGTF

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaflatoxin

1. Dr. Duke

Antianaphylactic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Cervix)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Colon)

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Heimia salicifolia has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Salmonella typhi, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, laxative.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations