Lippia macrophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Camara macrophylla
• Lantana macrophylla
• Lantana macrophylla var. grosseserrata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Verbenaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Lippia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the South American country of Brazil. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated in the Northeast part of the country. Additionally, the species can be found growing across the Southeast region of Brazil. This distribution pattern highlights its preference for these particular Brazilian biomes. Therefore, its geographical range is strictly defined by these two major Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lippia macrophylla is intrinsically linked to the Cerrado (latu sensu) biome, where it functions as a specialized component of this complex tropical savanna ecosystem. Within this habitat, the species is adapted to the characteristic environmental stressors of the region, including highly seasonal rainfall patterns, nutrient-poor soils, and frequent fire cycles. It typically thrives in open formations and transitional areas, navigating the mosaic of woody vegetation and herbaceous layers that define the Cerrado landscape. Its presence is dictated by the specific edaphic and climatic conditions of these savanna environments, playing a role in the local biodiversity and the stabilization of the soil and nutrient cycling within these unique ecological niches.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Lippia macrophylla is characterized by its growth habit and structural classification within various ecological niches. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the developmental stage of the plant, its life form can be classified under different botanical categories. Specifically, it can manifest as a phanerophyte, where its buds are borne on aerial shoots above the ground, or it may exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, representing a growth form where the woody stems are relatively short. This versatility in life form allows the species to adapt its structural development to varying degrees of exposure and substrate availability in its natural habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lippia macrophylla is characterized by its growth form as a woody subshrub or shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite and maintains a terrestrial habit, lacking any epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. Its physiological classification spans from terrestrial to semiaquatic environments, though it primarily functions as a terrestrial plant. The plant's physical architecture is defined by its woody nature, providing the structural integrity necessary to remain self-supporting in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Leaf

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Chemicals

Lippia macrophylla has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CARVACROL, OLEANOLIC ACID, THYMOL, Ursolic acid.

CARVACROL

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

OLEANOLIC ACID

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

THYMOL

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Ursolic acid

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

Medicinal Uses

Lippia macrophylla has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Chagas disease.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations