Larrea cuneifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Schroeterella cuneifolia
• Neoschroetera cuneifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Zygophyllales, it is specifically positioned in the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Larrea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the southern regions of South America. It is primarily found throughout the Northeast of Argentina, where it adapts to the local environmental conditions. Additionally, the species occupies significant territories across the South of Argentina. Its presence also extends into the Northwest regions of the country, demonstrating a broad range within the nation. Consequently, these three specific areas define the known natural habitat of Larrea cuneifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Larrea cuneliifolia is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse range of vertical landscapes, spanning a broad altitudinal gradient. This species is found at elevations starting from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum height of 3000 m AMSL. This significant elevational range suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to adapt to varying climatic conditions, temperature fluctuations, and atmospheric pressures found across different montane and lowland strata. Such a wide distribution indicates that the species can thrive in multiple ecological niches, from coastal or low-lying arid zones to higher, potentially more temperate or rugged mountain environments.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Larrea cuneiifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a presence in its ecosystem over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. As a long-lived woody plant, it establishes a robust structural foundation that enables it to endure fluctuating environmental conditions through successive growing seasons. This perennial nature facilitates a sustained developmental strategy where the plant invests in permanent tissues and extensive root systems to ensure long-term survival and repeated reproductive efforts over its lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Larrea cuneifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. This self-supporting plant is terrestrial in nature, functioning as an independent organism without any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. Reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 3 meters, it develops a robust, woody structure that allows it to maintain its stature in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Larrea cuneifolia is characterized by specialized adaptations to arid and semi-arid environments, primarily centered around its metabolic efficiency and water management strategies. A fundamental aspect of its metabolic function is its photosynthetic pathway, which follows the C3 pathway. This C3 mechanism involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells, a process that requires careful regulation of stomatal conductance to balance carbon gain against transpirational water loss in its typically dry habitats. To complement this photosynthetic process, the plant exhibits physiological traits such as high osmotic adjustment capabilities and a robust antioxidant system, which allow it to maintain cellular turgor and mitigate oxidative stress induced by high light intensity and drought conditions. Additionally, its physiological resilience is supported by specialized secondary metabolites that serve protective roles in its overall metabolic homeostasis.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Larrea cuneifolia has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lignans, NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID, 2',4'-Dihydroxychalcone, flavonols.

Lignans

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of cosmetic dermatology

NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

2',4'-Dihydroxychalcone

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

flavonols

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Larrea cuneifolia has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticarcinogenic, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Anticarcinogenic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antifungal

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Larrea cuneifolia has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antioxidant, candidiasis, gastrointestinal disorders.

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Candidiasis

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Larrea cuneifolia has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extracts, extracts.

Ethanolic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Extracts

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis