Mouriri pusa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mouriri pusa var. grandifolia

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 Myrtales, it is classified under the family Melastomataceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Mouriri, specifically as the species Mouriri pusa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of South America. In the western portion of the continent, it can be found within the borders of Bolivia. Its presence in Brazil is extensive, spanning across the North and Northeast regions of the country. Additionally, the species is well-established in the Southeast and West-Central territories of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight the wide environmental range inhabited by Mouriri pusa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mouriri pusa is characterized by its ability to thrive within diverse and complex biome structures across South America. This species is primarily found occupying the distinct environmental niches of the Cerrado (latu sensu), the Floresta Estacional Decidual (Deciduous Seasonal Forest), and the Savana Amazônica (Amazonian Savanna). By inhabiting these varied landscapes, the plant adapts to a range of hydrological regimes and seasonal fluctuations, from the fire-prone and nutrient-limited soils of the savanna-like formations to the more sheltered, seasonally dry deciduous forest environments. Its presence across these specific ecosystems indicates a specialized ecological tolerance for transitional zones where savanna and forest dynamics intersect.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Mouriri pusa is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. As a long-lived perennial, it undergoes continuous developmental stages that contribute to its establishment within its native ecological niche. This extended lifespan enables the plant to undergo multiple reproductive cycles, ensuring long-term survival and the potential for steady seed production across various growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mouriri pusa is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure. This species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, meaning it is neither aquatic nor an epiphyte. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a significant height, with an average height of approximately 6 meters and a maximum recorded height of up to 9 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

9 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mouriri pusa is characterized by metabolic processes typical of many members of the Rubiaceae family, focusing on efficient nutrient uptake and specialized secondary metabolism. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, and therefore relies entirely on the assimilation of nitrogenous compounds present in the soil. Its physiological framework is centered on carbon fixation via the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which supports the synthesis of various bioactive phytochemicals used in its medicinal applications. These metabolic pathways are finely tuned to environmental stressors, facilitating the production of defensive compounds that contribute to its overall biological activity.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Mouriri pusa 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Mouriri pusa has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, Epicatechin, Flavonoids, Tannins.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Epicatechin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Mouriri pusa has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal disorders.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations