Lippia filifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is a member of the family Verbenaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Lippia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence within the South American landscape. Its presence is notably documented across the West-Central region of Brazil. Furthermore, the species can also be found extending into the Southeast portion of the country. These two distinct areas represent its primary geographical distribution. Consequently, its habitat is concentrated within these specific Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lippia filifolia is intrinsically linked to the specific environmental conditions of the Brazilian highlands, where it thrives primarily within the Campo Rupestre and Cerrado (lato sensu) biomes. This plant is highly adapted to these ecosystems, which are characterized by nutrient-poor, acidic soils and significant seasonal variations in water availability. In the Campo Rupestre environments, it often occupies rocky outcrops and sandy substrates, demonstrating a high tolerance for intense solar radiation and periodic drought conditions. Its presence within the Cerrado landscape reflects a specialized niche involving resistance to fire cycles and a capacity to colonize open, well-drained areas where competition from dense forest vegetation is limited. Consequently, its distribution and survival are dictated by the availability of light, the specific mineral composition of the litholic soils, and the distinct microclimates found within these high-altitude and savanna-like formations.

Habitat :

Campo Rupestre, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Morphology

The morphology of Lippia filifolia is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber or an epiphyte. It is a strictly terrestrial species, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and functions as an independent organism without any parasitic lifestyle. The plant's architecture is defined by its woody stems, which provide the necessary structural integrity to maintain its shrubby habit in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lippia filifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Eucalyptol.

Eucalyptol

1. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology