Moquiniastrum polymorphum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Gochnatia polymorpha
• Moquinia polymorpha
• Spadonia polymorpha

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, it is identified by its specific genus, Moquiniastrum, as part of the species Moquiniastrum polymorphum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of Brazil, including the West-Central, Northeast, Southeast, and South areas. Beyond the borders of Brazil, its presence extends into the Southern South America region. Specifically, it can be found growing within the Northeast portion of Argentina. This broad range demonstrates the species' ability to adapt to diverse environments across the continent. Consequently, its geographical footprint spans a significant portion of the South American landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Miconia polymorphum is characterized by its presence within the Cerrado biome, where it thrives in the specific environmental conditions of this tropical savanna ecosystem. The species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a wide vertical range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum elevation of 1200 m AMSL. This significant elevational gradient suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to adapt to varying climatic pressures and topographical changes across its native range.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado

Life history

The life history of Moquinia astrum polymorphum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, meaning the plant persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a stable presence in its natural habitat, often developing robust structural components that allow it to survive seasonal fluctuations and environmental stressors over several years. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to invest energy into repeated reproductive cycles, contributing to its sustained ecological presence and consistent availability of medicinal properties within its ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Moquiniastrum polymorphum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a tree. This plant reaches a significant stature, with a mean height of approximately 7 m and a maximum height potential of up to 10 m. It is classified as a terrestrial species, rather than being aquatic or epiphytic, and it maintains an independent existence without acting as a parasite. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is described as self-supporting, lacking the climbing mechanisms of a vine or liana.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Moquiniastrum polymorphum is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide during the light-independent reactions. This metabolic strategy implies that the plant's carbon assimilation is highly dependent on the enzyme RuBisCO and is sensitive to photorespiration under conditions of high temperature or water stress. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and instead relies on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium from the soil to meet its nitrogenous nutritional requirements.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Moquiniastrum polymorphum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR
2. Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia

Chemicals

Moquiniastrum polymorphum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Hyperosid, RUTIN, caffeic acid.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Hyperosid

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

RUTIN

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

caffeic acid

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Moquiniastrum polymorphum has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous and ethanol extracts from the leaves, aqueous residue, fractions obtained from the latter extract using solvents with increasing polarity.

Aqueous and ethanol extracts from the leaves

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Aqueous residue

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Fractions obtained from the latter extract using solvents with increasing polarity

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR