Ilex buxifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Ilex buxifolia, exhibits a very specific and limited geographical distribution. Its presence is primarily concentrated within the South American continent. Specifically, this species can be found growing in the country of Brazil. Within the national borders, its habitat is restricted to the Southeast region. Consequently, this narrow range defines its natural ecological footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ilex buxifolia is fundamentally defined by its specialization within the Campo de Altitude, a high-altitude grassland ecosystem characterized by unique microclimates and distinct soil compositions. In these environments, the species is adapted to withstand specific environmental stressors, including high solar radiation, significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, and potentially thinner, more acidic soils common to these elevated terrains. Its presence in the Campo de Altitude suggests an evolutionary adaptation to open, high-elevation landscapes where it must compete with specialized rupestral or graminoid vegetation while managing the physiological demands of increased wind exposure and varying moisture availability typical of these montane habitats.

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex buxifolia is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a sturdy and self-supporting structure. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte or a climber, nor does it exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence without parasitic requirements. The plant's architecture is defined by its woody tissue, which provides the necessary structural integrity for its shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ilex buxifolia 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. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Ilex buxifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Journal of natural products