Manilkara rufula

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mimusops rufula
• Kaukenia rufula
• Manilkara duckei

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Ericales and falls into the family Sapotaecae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Manilkara, specifically as the species Manilkara rufula.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Manihot rufula, exhibits a specific range within the South American landscape. Its presence is notably documented across several key regions of Brazil. Specifically, the species can be found growing throughout the Northeast portion of the country. Additionally, its geographical distribution extends into the Southeast region of Brazil. These locations highlight the plant's adaptation to the diverse climates found within these Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Manihot rufula is characterized by its adaptability to diverse and often challenging environmental conditions within Brazilian biomes. It is found inhabiting the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it must contend with semi-arid conditions, as well as within the more humid environments of the Floresta Ciliar or Galeria (riparian forests) and the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Furthermore, the species demonstrates a specific ecological niche by occurring in vegetação sobre afloramentos rochosos (vegetation over rocky outcrops), indicating a capacity to thrive in shallow, nutrient-poor soils and specialized microhabitats where moisture retention and temperature fluctuations are significant ecological drivers.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Manilkara rufula is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody branches, allowing the plant to endure unfavorable seasonal conditions. Within this categorization, its specific ecological strategy aligns with both the nanophanerophyte and phanerophyte sub-types, indicating a perennial lifecycle where the vital reproductive and vegetative structures are elevated on stems or shrubs. As a phanerophyte, it avoids environmental stressors such as frost or drought by maintaining its structural integrity through woody tissues, ensuring long-term survival across successive growing seasons. This life history supports a robust developmental pattern, transitioning from seedling establishment to a persistent woody state that defines its presence in its native habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Manihotia rufula is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 20 meters. It functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies, and is classified as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one. While it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, being strictly terrestrial, its structural development is that of a self-supporting plant. Unlike climbing vines or lianas, it maintains a self-supporting habit through its robust, woody architecture, ensuring stability as it reaches its significant vertical stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Manilkara rufula is characterized by robust structural development and specialized tissue density designed to support its growth patterns. A key physiological indicator of its structural integrity is its stem specific density (SSD), which maintains an SSD_mean of 1040 mg/cm³. This high density suggests a highly lignified vascular system and a compact arrangement of xylem elements, which facilitates efficient water transport and provides significant mechanical strength to the plant's framework. Such density profiles are critical for maintaining turgor pressure and structural stability within the plant's internal hydraulic architecture, ensuring consistent nutrient distribution throughout its various organs.

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

1040 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Manilkara rufula 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. Natural product research

Chemicals

Manilkara rufula has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lectin.

Lectin

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Manilkara rufula has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts of leaves.

Extracts of leaves

1. Natural product research