Muehlenbeckia hastulata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calacinum hastulatum
• Polygonum hastulatum

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 Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Muehlenbeckia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across both North and South America. In the Southwestern United States, its presence is specifically noted within the state of California. Moving into Western South America, the species can be found growing in Peru. Its distribution continues through Southern South America, covering both the northwest and southern regions of Argentina. Finally, the plant is also documented inhabiting the central areas of Chile.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Muehlenbeckia hastulata is characterized by its remarkable adaptability across a broad altitudinal gradient, allowing it to occupy diverse ecological niches within its native range. This species demonstrates an extensive elevational range, thriving in environments situated from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to high-altitude montane regions reaching as high as 2700 m AMSL. This vast vertical distribution suggests a high degree of physiological plasticity, enabling the plant to withstand the varied climatic stressors associated with both lowland coastal or subtropical conditions and the cooler, thinner atmospheres of high-elevation landscapes. Such a wide ecological breadth typically implies resilience to fluctuations in temperature, moisture availability, and solar radiation, facilitating its presence in a variety of soil types and microclimates across its habitat.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Muehlenbeckia hastulata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting characteristics consistent with the phanerophyte life form. This designation indicates that its perennating buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the ground, contributing to its overall developmental pattern and survival strategy within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Muehlenbeckia hastulata is characterized by a woody structure, manifesting as a shrubby growth form. This plant functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of its ecological positioning and habit, it is classified as a terrestrial species, rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or an epiphyte. While it possesses certain climbing qualities, it specifically functions as a liana, characterized by an obligatory climbing habit to navigate its environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicatechin, Pheophorbide a, Protohypericin, RUTIN, hypericin.

Epicatechin

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Pheophorbide a

1. Journal of natural medicines

Protohypericin

1. Journal of natural medicines

RUTIN

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

hypericin

1. Journal of natural medicines

Activities

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Oxytoxic.

Analgesic

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Antimicrobial

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Cytotoxic

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Oxytoxic

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Medicinal Uses

Muehlenbeckia hastulata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include influenza virus.

Most Reported Uses