Micromeria ericifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a highly restricted geographical range within the Macaronesian region. Specifically, its distribution is confined to the unique island environments of the Canary Islands. Because it is endemic to this specific archipelago, it is not found naturally in other parts of the world. This localized presence makes the species a significant component of the islands' unique botanical landscape. Consequently, its survival is closely tied to the specific ecological conditions found throughout these volcanic islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Micromeria ericifolia is defined by its ability to inhabit a diverse vertical gradient within its native landscape, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying altitudinal zones. This species is found across a broad elevational range, establishing itself in habitats starting from as low as 50 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum altitude of 1500 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests that the plant can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions, ranging from lowland tropical or subtropical settings to higher, cooler montane environments. Such an ecological breadth allows it to occupy various niches within its ecosystem, likely responding to fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure encountered throughout this 1450-meter altitudinal span.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

50 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Micromeria ericifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its growth habit and ecological strategy, the species is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located close to the soil surface, often protected by a layer of leaf litter or organic matter. This specific life form classification applies to both its structural categorization and its functional niche within its habitat, ensuring its long-term survival and ability to regenerate within its environment.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Micromeria ericifolia is characterized by a low-growing growth form, manifesting as both a shrub and a subshrub. It is a woody, independent species that functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte or parasite. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a relatively small profile, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.4 m. Although it possesses a climbing tendency, it is classified as self-supporting in its growth habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

Leaf form :

linear

Leaf length max:

1.2 cm

Leaf length min:

0.2 cm

Leaf width max:

0.4 cm

Leaf width min:

0.05 cm

Reproduction

Flower colour :

pink

Flower length max:

0.6 cm

Flower length min:

0.25 cm

Flower width max:

0.4 cm

Flower width min:

0.25 cm

Flowering time :

Jan

Flowering time :

Jun

Inflorescence :

spike

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Micromeria ericifolia has 46 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE, ALPHA-PINENE, ALPHA-THUJENE, Alpha terpinene, BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE.

ALPHA-PHELLANDRENE

1. Dr. Duke

ALPHA-PINENE

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ALPHA-THUJENE

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Alpha terpinene

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BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

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BETA-ELEMENE

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-PHELLANDRENE

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-PINENE

1. Dr. Duke

Borneol

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CAMPHENE

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Micromeria ericifolia has 132 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Acaricide.

(-)-Chronotropic

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(-)-Inotropic

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ACE-Inhibitor

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AChE-Inhibitor

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Acaricide

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Allelopathic

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Allergenic

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Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke