Muehlenbeckia volcanica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Polygonum volcanicum
• Muehlenbeckia rupestris var. nivalis
• Calacinum volcanicum
• Sarcogonum volcanicum
• Muehlenbeckia rupestris var. volcanica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the family Polygonaceae and falls under the genus Muehlenbeckia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that stretches across multiple regions of the Americas. In North America, its presence is noted specifically in Southeast Mexico. Moving southward, it can be found within the Central American countries of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Its distribution continues into Northern South America, where it inhabits Venezuela. Finally, the species reaches into Western South America, specifically documented in Bolivia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Muehlenbeckia volcanicia is defined by its specialized occupation of high-altitude montane environments, specifically within rugged volcanic landscapes. This species is strictly adapted to alpine or sub-alpine zones, occupying a distinct elevational range that begins at 2,900 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4,000 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal belt, the plant thrives in conditions characterized by lower temperatures, high UV exposure, and potentially thin, well-drained volcanic soils. Its presence is closely tied to these specific elevation parameters, which dictate the climatic constraints and ecological niches available for its survival and growth.

Elevational range max:

4000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2900 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Muehlenbeckia volcanicia is characterized by a versatile growth habit, primarily existing as a woody shrub that exhibits both herbaceous and more robust structural qualities. While it possesses woody characteristics, its development can transition between an herb and a shrub depending on environmental conditions. The plant displays a flexible climbing mechanism, functioning as a facultative climber that can act as a self-supporting structure or utilize surrounding vegetation for support, rather than being an obligatory liana. In terms of its ecological niche and substrate preference, it is a terrestrial species, avoiding obligate epiphytic or parasitic lifestyles, as it remains an independent organism. Furthermore, its moisture relationship is defined by a terrestrial nature, although it shows adaptability across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Muehlenbeckia volcanica has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-imino-di-benzoic acid, Gallic acid, RUTIN, protocatechuic acid, quercetin.

4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-imino-di-benzoic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

RUTIN

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

protocatechuic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

quercitrin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

shikimic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations