Jatropha mollissima

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Adenoropium mollissimum
• Jatropha pohliana var. mollissima

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Jatropha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western portion of the continent, the species can also be found in Bolivia. Within Brazil, its range is quite extensive, covering the West-Central territories. Additionally, the plant is widely distributed throughout the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Jatropha mollisima is characterized by its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions within specific Brazilian biomes, primarily occupying the Caatinga (strictu sensu) and the Cerrado (lato sensu). It thrives in these semi-arid and seasonal landscapes, where it has demonstrated a significant capacity to colonize anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), often appearing in disturbed soils or landscapes modified by human activity. Its presence in these ecosystems suggests a resilience to varying soil types and periodic water availability, allowing it to persist both in natural wilderness and in environments shaped by human intervention.

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Jatropha mollisima is characterized by its specialized growth strategies and structural adaptations to its environment. In terms of its biological classification regarding life forms, this species primarily functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its persistent buds and reproductive structures well above the soil surface to endure seasonal fluctuations. Depending on the specific environmental pressures and the maturity of the individual plants within its habitat, its growth habit can also be described through the lens of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting a compact structural form where the woody parts remain relatively low but still above the ground level. This combination of life forms allows the plant to navigate its ecological niche by balancing the stability of perennial woody growth with the resilience required to survive varying climatic conditions.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Jatropha mollisima is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 5 meters. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, showing no aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. As a self-supporting structure, it does not exhibit climbing habits or epiphytic lifestyles, remaining firmly rooted in the soil as a non-epiphytic terrestrial plant.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Jatropha mollisima is characterized by the development of a capsule-type fruit, which typically reaches a consistent length of approximately 2.5 cm, as both the minimum, maximum, and mean measurements are recorded at this value. This fruit is dehiscent, meaning it functions to split open at maturity to facilitate the release of seeds. The dispersal of the offspring follows a zoochorous syndrome, relying on animal vectors to aid in the movement and distribution of the seeds throughout its habitat.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit length max:

2.5 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Jatropha mollissima has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Saudi journal of biological sciences
2. BioMed research international

Chemicals

Jatropha mollissima has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid, MANDELIC ACID, RUTIN, polyphenols, pyrogallol.

Gallic acid

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

MANDELIC ACID

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

RUTIN

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

polyphenols

1. American journal of translational research

pyrogallol

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

quercetin

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Jatropha mollissima has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anticoagulant, antioxidant, cardiotoxicity, myotoxicity, oxidative stress.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations