Moquiniastrum blanchetianum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Moquiniastrum blanchetianum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its presence is documented within the West-Central region, where it adapts to local environmental conditions. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting various areas throughout the Northeast of the country. The geographical range also extends into the Southeast, showcasing its ability to thrive in multiple climatic zones. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's significant spread across several key Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Moquiniastrum blanchetianum is defined by its adaptation to the diverse and often harsh environmental conditions of the Brazilian tropical landscapes, specifically occurring within the Caatinga (stricto sensu) and the Cerrado (lato sensu) biomes. As a species integrated into these seasonally dry and fire-prone ecosystems, it thrives in habitats characterized by marked seasonality in rainfall and high solar radiation. In the Caatinga, the plant must withstand prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures, while in the Cerrado, it occupies niches that may feature more acidic soils and periodic fire regimes. Its presence in these specific vegetative formations indicates a specialized physiological capacity to manage water scarcity and nutrient availability, allowing it to play a functional role in the structural complexity and biodiversity of these semi-arid and savanna-like environments.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu)

Morphology

The morphology of Moquinia strum blanchetianum is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub that reaches a maximum plant height of 4 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte or a parasite, remaining an independent organism within its ecosystem. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, lacking the climbing habits of obligatory or facultative climbers, and maintains a robust, woody constitution throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Moquiniastrum blanchetianum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Moquiniastrum blanchetianum has 18 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimelanomic

1. Dr. Duke