mangava-brava

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• mangava-brava

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lafoensia lucida
• Lafoensia petiolata
• Lafoensia sessilifolia
• Lafoensia sellowiana
• Lafoensia pacari f. alata
• Lafoensia pacari f. exalata
• Lafoensia pacari f. aptera
• Lafoensia pacari f. pseudopacari
• Lafoensia pacari f. lucida
• Lafoensia pacari subsp. cuneifolia
• Lafoensia pacari var. hemisphaerica

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Lythraceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Lafoensia, identifying it as Lafoensia pacari.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its geographical range extends significantly into the Brazil West-Central region. Furthermore, it can be found growing within the Brazil Northeast area. The distribution also encompasses the Brazil Southeast and Brazil North territories. Finally, its occurrence reaches as far as the Brazil South region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lafoensia pacari is characterized by its adaptation to diverse Brazilian biomes, where it primarily establishes itself within the Cerrado (latu sensu) ecosystems. This species exhibits significant ecological plasticity, allowing it to occupy varied niches ranging from the open, shrubby landscapes of the Cerrado to the more densely vegetated environments of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica). Furthermore, it is frequently found in riparian zones, specifically within Gallery Forests (Floresta de Galeria), where it benefits from the increased moisture availability and specialized microclimates provided by the proximity to watercourses.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria

Life history

The life history of Lafoensia pacari is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated above the ground, a structural trait that defines its primary life form. Furthermore, this species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage as part of its seasonal biological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lafoensia pacari is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing tendencies of lianas or vines. The physical stature of the plant is significant, with recorded heights ranging from a maximum of 11 meters to a mean height of approximately 14 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

11 m

Plant height mean:

14 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lafoensia pacari is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many temperate and high-altitude species that prioritizes efficiency under moderate light and temperature conditions. The plant's leaf morphology and resource allocation are reflected in its Specific Leaf Area (SLA), which maintains a highly consistent value across its range, with a minimum, mean, and maximum all measured at 99 cm²/g. This uniformity in SLA suggests a stable leaf thickness and density profile, likely adapted to specific environmental constraints within its habitat. Furthermore, Lafoensia pacari does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available soil nitrogen rather than symbiotic nitrogen fixation to meet its nutritional requirements.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

99 cm²/g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lafoensia pacari has 2 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Protein and peptide letters
3. Toxicology and applied pharmacology

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Lafoensia pacari has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol, Punicalagin, STIGMASTEROL, Saponins, Steroids.

Lupeol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Punicalagin

1. Toxicology and applied pharmacology

STIGMASTEROL

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Saponins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Steroids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

ellagic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

triterpene

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Lafoensia pacari has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, allergy, asthma, cancer, dental caries.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations