Maytenus laevis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Monteverdia sapotiformis
• Monteverdia laevis
• Maytenus sapotiformis
• Maytenus jauaensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic details place it in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Celastrales, falling under the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Maytenus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its habitat includes the territories of both Guyana and Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species can also be found within Colombia. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the northern reaches of Brazil. Together, these locations define the specific geographical range of Maytenus laevis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Maytenus laevis is characterized by its presence in specific tropical forest formations, notably within Campinarana, Floresta Ciliar, or Galeria habitats. This species thrives within a defined altitudinal gradient, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 250 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 400 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

250 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campinarana, Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria

Morphology

The morphology of Maytenus laevis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 7 m. This species is a terrestrial plant, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing or vining mechanisms of lianas or facultative climbers. It does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, maintaining a strictly terrestrial life strategy.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Maytenus laevis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Canophyllol.

Canophyllol

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Maytenus laevis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract of the bark.

Methanol extract of the bark

1. Journal of natural products