Montanoa tomentosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eriocoma tomentosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Montanoa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Montanoa tomentoza, is native to several diverse regions throughout Mexico. Its distribution spans across the central territories of the country, establishing a presence in Mexico Central. Furthermore, it can be found throughout the northeastern landscapes of Mexico Northeast. The species also inhabits the coastal and inland areas of Mexico Gulf. Finally, its range extends into the western regions of Mexico Northwest and Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Montanoa tomentoza is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. Throughout its development, the species maintains an evergreen habit, retaining its foliage year-round rather than shedding it seasonally. This combination of a long-lived life cycle and continuous leaf presence defines its ecological strategy and enduring presence in its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Montanoa tomentoza is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, reaching an average height of approximately 3 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly grounded in its habitat. The plant is fundamentally independent, showing no parasitic behavior, and maintains a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana, vine, or any other form of climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Montanoa tomentoza is characterized by specialized metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, involving complex pathways for photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition. As a member of the Asteraceae family, its physiological framework supports the synthesis of secondary metabolites, often utilized in defensive mechanisms against herbivory. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not exhibit the physiological mechanisms required for symbiotic or free-living nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is categorized as a non-nitrogen fixer (trait_1: nitrogen fixer; trait_value: no). Instead, it relies on the uptake of inorganic nitrogen, such as nitrates and ammonium, from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and cellular growth. Its physiological activity is further driven by transpiration rates regulated by stomatal conductance and the management of water potential within its tissues to maintain turgor pressure.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Montanoa tomentoza is facilitated through the production of specialized seeds that exhibit a highly consistent physical profile. The reproductive output is characterized by very fine, lightweight seeds, with a documented seed mass mean of 0.00146 g. This mass remains remarkably stable across individual specimens, as evidenced by a narrow range between the minimum seed mass of 0.00144 g and the maximum seed mass of 0.00148 g. This uniformity in seed weight suggests a highly controlled developmental process during seed maturation, ensuring that the reproductive units are optimized for efficient dispersal and establishment within its natural habitat.

Seed mass max:

0.00148 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00146 g

Seed mass min:

0.00144 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Montanoa tomentosa 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. Contraception

Chemicals

Montanoa tomentosa has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Kaur-9(11),16-dien-19-oic acid, BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE, GF, Kaurene, Kaurenoic acid.

(-)-Kaur-9(11),16-dien-19-oic acid

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

1. Dr. Duke

GF

1. Journal of plant physiology

Kaurene

1. Dr. Duke

Kaurenoic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Montanol

1. Dr. Duke

Pretomentol

1. Dr. Duke

Prezoapatanol

1. Dr. Duke

Tomentosin

1. Dr. Duke

Tomexanthin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Montanoa tomentosa has 4 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifertility, Antiimplantation, Spasmogenic, Uterotonic.

Antifertility

1. Dr. Duke

Antiimplantation

1. Dr. Duke

Spasmogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Uterotonic

1. Journal of plant physiology

Conditions

Montanoa tomentosa has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include bleeding, cervical dilatation, contraceptive, oral contraceptive, uterine bleeding.

Bleeding

1. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology

Cervical dilatation

1. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology

Contraceptive

1. Population (New York, N.Y.)

Oral contraceptive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Uterine bleeding

1. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology

Preparations

Montanoa tomentosa has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Zoapatle aqueous crude extract (ZACE), A tea, aqueous crude extract, zoapatle aqueous crude extract (ZACE).

Zoapatle aqueous crude extract (zace)

1. Contraception
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

A tea

1. Population (New York, N.Y.)

Aqueous crude extract

1. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior

Zoapatle aqueous crude extract (zace)

1. Contraception