Larrea nitida

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Inga balsamica
• Larrea balsamica
• Mimosa balsamica

Regional and Traditional Names

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 Zygophyllales, it is classified under the family Zygophyllaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Larrea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across the southern regions of South America. It can be found extensively throughout Argentina, spanning the northeast, south, and northwest territories. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Chilean landscape. Specifically, the species is located within both central and northern Chile. Together, these locations define the primary habitat for Larrea nitida.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Larrea nitiida is characterized by an extensive altitudinal distribution, allowing it to inhabit a diverse array of landscapes across a broad vertical gradient. This species demonstrates remarkable environmental plasticity, occupying ecological niches ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 3400 m AMSL. This vast elevational range suggests an ability to adapt to varying thermal regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture availability, facilitating its presence in both lowland tropical or subtropical environments and higher-altitude montane zones. Such a wide distribution profile indicates that the plant can withstand significant fluctuations in temperature and varying levels of solar radiation, making it a resilient component of its native ecosystems across diverse topographic profiles.

Elevational range max:

3400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Larrea nitida is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived woody species, it establishes itself through initial growth phases before settling into a stable, enduring existence. This perennial nature enables the plant to withstand seasonal fluctuations and invest in structural longevity, contributing to its sustained presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Larrea nitida is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning primarily as a self-supporting shrub. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic nature, and it maintains a stable, self-supporting structure rather than adopting a climber, vine, or liana habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Larrea nitida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2',4'-Dihydroxychalcone, Lignans, NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (ndga).

2',4'-Dihydroxychalcone

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lignans

1. Journal of cosmetic dermatology

NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

nordihydroguaiaretic acid (ndga)

1. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association

Conditions

Larrea nitida has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Dermatophytes, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, vulvovaginal candidiasis, yeasts.

Dermatophytes

1. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association

Schizosaccharomyces pombe

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Vulvovaginal candidiasis

1. Carbohydrate polymers

Yeasts

1. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association

Preparations

Larrea nitida has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include LnE.

Lne

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology