Marila podantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution spanning across both Central and Western South America. Within the Central American region, it can be found growing in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Moving southward, its range extends into the Western South American landscape. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the territories of Colombia and Ecuador. Consequently, the geographical presence of Marila podauntha covers a significant tropical corridor.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mariella podantha is characterized by its ability to inhabit a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 1150 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests that the species is ecologically adaptable, capable of thriving in diverse topographical settings and varying climatic zones within its habitat. By occupying niches from 0 m to 1150 m AMSL, the plant can endure a spectrum of environmental pressures, including shifts in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure associated with increasing altitude.

Elevational range max:

1150 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Marila podantha is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a tree. It exhibits a terrestrial habit, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. While it shares some structural characteristics with certain climbers, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory vine or liana. The plant does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. Reaching a maximum plant height of 8 m, its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, supporting its stature as a significant botanical component of its habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Mariella podantha occurs primarily through the production of seeds, which are the result of successful pollination processes. The developmental cycle of the plant involves the maturation of these seeds within the fruit, ensuring the continuation of the species. A defining morphological characteristic of its reproductive output is the minute size of its seeds; specifically, the seed length is recorded at a maximum of 1 mm. This small seed size suggests a high-volume reproductive strategy, often relying on specific environmental factors or dispersal agents to ensure successful germination and the establishment of new individuals within its natural habitat.

Seed length max:

1 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Marila podantha 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. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Marila podantha has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the leaves.

Ch(2)cl(2) extract of the leaves

1. Journal of natural products