Helia alata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Helia campanulacea
• Chelonanthus alatus
• Irlbachia alata
• Lisianthius alatus
• Lisianthius campanulaceus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Heliopsis alatata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales. Finally, its taxonomic classification places it in the family Gentianaceae and the genus Heliopsis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats stretching across the tropical regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is documented within the countries of Nicaragua and Panamá. Its distribution extends into the Caribbean, where it can be found in Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Northern South America, specifically throughout Guyana. Finally, its geographical reach includes the territory of French Guiana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Helia alata is characterized by its presence in diverse Neotropical landscapes, specifically within Campinarana, Floresta de Terra Firme, and Savaana Amazônica habitats. It occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campinarana, Floresta de Terra Firme, Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Heliia alata is characterized by its distinct growth strategies, specifically functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, the plant possesses elevated buds located on long branches well above the soil surface, allowing it to maintain a significant vertical structure during its active growing season. This structural complexity is further nuanced by its classification as a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains woody or perennial stem structures, these are relatively short in stature compared to larger woody species. This combination of life forms enables the plant to navigate its specific ecological niche by balancing structural height for light competition with a more compact, manageable growth habit that may assist in resource conservation or survival during varying environmental stressors.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Helia alata is characterized by a non-woody growth form, functioning primarily as a herb with a non-woody structure. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it act as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial in its growth habit. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic lifestyle, and is classified as a self-supporting species rather than a liana, vine, or obligatory climber. In terms of physical dimensions, it maintains a modest stature with a maximum plant height of approximately 1.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Helia alata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Irlbacholine.

Irlbacholine

1. Journal of natural products