Helicotropis hookeri

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vigna hookeri

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Helicotropis hookeri, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. It is further distinguished by its placement in the genus Helicotropis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the southern regions of the South American continent. In Brazil, its presence is documented primarily throughout the southern part of the country. Moving across the continent, it can also be found in the northeastern regions of Argentina. Additionally, the species extends its distribution into the territory of Uruguay. Together, these locations define the localized habitat where Helicotropis hookeri naturally grows.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Helicotropis hookeri is characterized by its presence within the specific environmental conditions of the Campo de Altitude habitat. This species occupies an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 500 m AMSL. Within these altitudinal limits, the plant thrives in the unique microclimates and soil compositions provided by the Campo de Altitude, an ecosystem that dictates its distribution and growth patterns.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude

Life history

The life history of Helicotropis hookeri is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle within a single year. As a perennial species, it possesses the biological capacity to establish a stable presence in its habitat, often utilizing robust root systems to survive periods of dormancy or unfavorable environmental conditions. This long-lived life strategy enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, facilitating repeated reproductive cycles and contributing to its long-term survival and stability within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Helicotropis hookeri is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, primarily occupying soil-based environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. It functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing surrounding structures for vertical support to facilitate its upward growth. In terms of its ecological niche, the species is strictly terrestrial, lacking the characteristics of a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other epiphytic form. Furthermore, it maintains an independent existence, exhibiting an independent life cycle without the need for a host, thus classifying it as a non-parasitic organism.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Helicotropis hookeri has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol, quercetin.

kaempferol

1. Phytochemistry

quercetin

1. Phytochemistry