Maytenus quadrangulata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Elaeodendron quadrangulatum
• Elaeodendron quadrangulatum var. angustifolium
• Elaeodendron quadrangulatum var. latifolium
• Monteverdia quadrangulata
• Celastrus quadrangularis
• Cassine quadrangulata
• Ilex acutangula
• Celastrus quadrangulatus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is naturally distributed across specific regions within the vast territory of Brazil. Its presence is notably documented within the Northeast region of the country. Furthermore, it can also be found growing throughout the Southeast part of Brazil. These two distinct geographical areas represent its primary native range. Consequently, its occurrence is concentrated in these particular Brazilian biomes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Maytenus quadrangulata is characterized by its adaptability to diverse and often contrasting Brazilian biomes. It is primarily found inhabiting the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it must withstand seasonal water scarcity, but it also flourishes in more humid environments such as the Mata de Galeria (Gallery Forest) and the Floresta Estacional Decidual (Deciduous Seasonal Forest). This species demonstrates a notable capacity for colonizing specialized niches, including vegetation growing over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos), where it integrates into the unique microclimates provided by stone substrates.

Habitat :

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

Morphology

The morphology of Maytenus quadrangulata is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 10 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, whether in a facultative or obligatory capacity. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic lifestyle, and is classified as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or a hemi-epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Maytenus quadrangulata 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 ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Maytenus quadrangulata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechins.

catechins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Maytenus quadrangulata has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate extracts of branches (TAE), ethyl acetate extracts of leaves (LAE).

Ethyl acetate extracts of branches (tae)

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ethyl acetate extracts of leaves (lae)

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology