Lychnophora ericoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vernonia proteiformis
• Lychnophora platyneura
• Lychnophora proteiformis
• Lychnophora cinerea

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Lychnophora, which includes the species Lychnophora ericoides.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across several key regions within the country of Brazil. Its presence is notably documented in the Brazil West-Central area, where it occupies local ecosystems. Additionally, the species can be found distributed throughout the Brazil Northeast region. The geographical footprint of the plant further extends into the Brazil Southeast territory. Together, these locations define the primary environmental zones where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lychnophora ericoides is intrinsically linked to the specialized environmental conditions of the Campo Rupestre, a unique rupicolous vegetation type characterized by rocky outcrops and nutrient-poor soils. Within this habitat, the species thrives in high-altitude environments where soil development is minimal and drainage is rapid due to the underlying quartzitic or sandstone substrates. The ecological niche of Lychnophora ericoides is defined by its adaptation to intense solar radiation, seasonal water fluctuations, and the oligotrophic nature of the substrate, which necessitates highly specialized physiological mechanisms to manage nutrient uptake and moisture retention. This association with the Campo Rupestre dictates its distribution patterns, making it a component of a fragile and highly endemic ecosystem sensitive to changes in microclimate and soil composition.

Habitat :

Campo Rupestre

Morphology

The morphology of Lychnofora ericoides is characterized by a woody structure, manifesting as a tree in its growth form. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic tendencies, and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. Furthermore, the species is not an epiphyte, maintaining a self-supporting growth habit rather than acting as a climber or utilizing other plants for structural support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lychnophora ericoides has 2 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf.

Root

1. Journal of natural products
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology
3. Phytochemistry

Leaf

1. Planta medica
2. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Lychnophora ericoides has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (2R*,4S*)-2-((1'S*)-hydroxy-4'-methylpentyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)butanolide, (3R*,4S*,5R*,6S*)-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyranone, (E)-nerolidol, 1-O-(Phenylacetyl)glycerol, 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid.

(2R*,4S*)-2-((1'S*)-hydroxy-4'-methylpentyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)butanolide

1. Journal of natural products

(3R*,4S*,5R*,6S*)-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyranone

1. Journal of natural products

(E)-nerolidol

1. Phytochemistry

1-O-(Phenylacetyl)glycerol

1. Journal of natural products

3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid

1. Natural product communications

4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid

1. Natural product communications

Cubebin

1. Phytochemistry

Flavonoids

1. Metabolites

GOYAZENSOLIDE

1. Metabolites

Lignans

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Lychnophora ericoides has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Cytostatic, Cytotoxic.

Analgesic

1. Planta medica
2. Genetics and molecular research : GMR
3. Phytochemistry

Cytostatic

1. Metabolites

Cytotoxic

1. Metabolites

Medicinal Uses

Lychnophora ericoides has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, Acute myeloid leukemia, Multiple myeloma, inflammation, pain.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations