Myrciaria pilosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Myrtalean. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Myrttaceae and is placed within the genus Myrciaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Myrciaaria pilosa, exhibits a specific distribution within the borders of Brazil. Its presence is documented across the diverse landscapes of the Brazil Northeast region. Additionally, the species can be found growing within the Brazil Southeast area. These two distinct geographical zones represent the primary habitats for this medicinal flora. Consequently, its range is concentrated in these particular parts of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Myrciaaria pilosa is characterized by its presence within specific Brazilian biomes, primarily inhabiting the Caatinga (strictu sensu) and the Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual. In these environments, the species is adapted to distinct seasonal moisture patterns, thriving in landscapes that transition between periods of intense aridity and seasonal rainfall. Its distribution within the Caatinga reflects a specialization for semi-arid conditions, while its occurrence in the Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest indicates an ability to navigate ecosystems defined by deciduousness, where trees shed leaves to conserve water during the dry season. This ecological niche suggests the plant is integrated into complex biotic interactions typical of these transitional and semi-arid vegetation types, playing a role in the structural and functional dynamics of these specific habitats.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Myrciaria pilosa is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located on aerial shoots well above the soil surface. Within this category, the plant exhibits specific structural strategies categorized as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains elevated buds to survive unfavorable seasons, its stature remains relatively low or shrub-like compared to larger woody species. This life form allows the plant to persist through seasonal environmental fluctuations by protecting its vital meristematic tissues on visible branches, facilitating a perennial life cycle that supports continuous development and reproductive capacity.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Myrciaria pilosa is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing into a tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 5 meters. This species is categorized as a terrestrial organism, functioning as an independent plant rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. Unlike climbing species that require external support, it is a self-supporting structure, and it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, remaining strictly within terrestrial habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Myrciaria pilosa 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

Myrciaria pilosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Sesquiterpenes, Spathulenol.

Sesquiterpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Spathulenol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Myrciaria pilosa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Myrciaria pilosa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infectious diseases, inflammation, pain.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations