Miconia nervosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is primarily concentrated in the southeastern regions of the country. Moving through Central America, it can be found growing within the borders of Belize. The species also extends its range into the territory of Guatemala. Finally, its geographical reach continues southward into the nation of Honduras and parts of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Miconia nervosa is characterized by its broad adaptability to diverse tropical ecosystems and varying topographic positions. It inhabits a wide array of environmental settings, including Cerrado (latu sensu), Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), and the Amazônica Savanna. This distribution allows the species to thrive in both seasonally flooded areas and stable upland forests. Furthermore, the species demonstrates a significant altitudinal plasticity, occupying a broad vertical gradient that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 1450 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Savana Amazônica

Morphology

The morphology of Miconia nervosa is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a self-supporting shrub. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte, as it maintains a strictly terrestrial habit. The plant does not exhibit climbing tendencies, such as being a liana or vine, but instead grows as a self-supporting structure. In terms of stature, it reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 4 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Miconia nervosa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its ecological niche. The plant exhibits a highly consistent leaf dry matter content (LDMC), with a mean, minimum, and maximum value all recorded at 284.1 mg/g. This uniformity in LDMC suggests a stabilized leaf structure and resource allocation strategy, reflecting specific adaptations in how the plant manages its biomass and water-use efficiency.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

284.1 mg/g

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Miconia nervosa 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. Malaria journal

Preparations

Miconia nervosa has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf methanol extracts.

Leaf methanol extracts

1. Malaria journal