Luehea divaricata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alegria divaricata
• Brotera mediterranea
• Thespesia brasiliensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Luehea, specifically identified as Luehea divaricata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in South America and the Caribbean. Within the country of Brazil, it is widely established across the West-Central, Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. Beyond the borders of Brazil, its presence extends into the Caribbean islands. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Dominican Republic. This widespread range highlights the adaptable nature of the species across diverse environmental zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Luehea divaricata is characterized by its presence in high forest environments, specifically within the Bosque alto habitat. This species thrives across a distinct altitudinal gradient, occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 500 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Bosque alto

Life history

The life history of Luehea divaricata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its native ecosystems. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes a seasonal cycle of shedding its foliage, a strategic adaptation that influences its growth patterns and resource management throughout the year. This combination of a multi-year lifespan and a seasonal loss of leaves dictates its ecological niche and its ability to persist through varying environmental conditions.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Luehea divaricata is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching an average and maximum height of approximately 20 m. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant is biologically independent, functioning as a non-parasitic organism within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Luehea divaricata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy for many woody species that facilitates carbon fixation under moderate environmental conditions. Its leaf morphology and resource allocation are reflected in a Specific Leaf Area (SLA) that remains consistent across recorded measurements, with a minimum, mean, and maximum value all documented at 202 cm²/g. This value indicates a specific structural investment in leaf tissue relative to its surface area. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, relying instead on the uptake of nitrogen from the soil substrate.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

202 cm²/g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Luehea divaricata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Genetics and molecular research : GMR
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology
3. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Chemicals

Luehea divaricata has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Isovitexin, Lignan, Maslinic acid, Prostaglandins.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Isovitexin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Lignan

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Maslinic acid

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Prostaglandins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

RUTIN

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Saponins

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Steroids

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

Triterpenes

1. Journal of pharmaceutics

nitric oxide

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Luehea divaricata has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic, Hypotensive.

Diuretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hypotensive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Luehea divaricata has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dysentery, tumors, arthritis, bleeding, bronchitis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations