Helicteres sacarolha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Helicteres sacarolha, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Malvales. Finally, it is classified under the family Malvaceae within the genus Helicteres.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across the South American continent. In Western South America, it can be found within the borders of Bolivia. Its presence in Brazil is extensive, covering multiple distinct ecological regions. Specifically, it is distributed throughout the North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central areas of the country. This widespread range highlights the plant's ability to inhabit various Brazilian environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Helicteres sacarolha is characterized by its adaptation to specific Brazilian biomes, primarily occurring within the Cerrado (latto sensu) and the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. In these environments, the species thrives under varying moisture regimes, navigating the distinct seasonality of the semi-deciduous forests where leaf shedding occurs during drier periods, and the complex, nutrient-variable soils of the Cerrado. Its presence in these habitats suggests an ecological niche capable of tolerating seasonal water stress and competitive vegetation structures, playing a role in the local biodiversity of these transitional and savanna-like ecosystems.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Morphology

The morphology of Helicteres sacarolha is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a shrub, exhibiting a non-woody structure. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is strictly a terrestrial plant, showing no aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. Furthermore, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a self-supporting habit rather than acting as a climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Helicteres sacarolha 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Helicteres sacarolha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lariciresinol.

Lariciresinol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Conditions

Helicteres sacarolha has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis.

Gastric ulcer

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Ulcerative colitis

1. Chemistry & biodiversity