Nectandra cuspidata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nectandra pichurim var. cuprea
• Nectandra gentlei
• Nectandra membranacea subsp. cuspidata
• Nectandra olivacea
• Nectandra cuspidata var. dubia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Laurales, falling into the family Lauraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Nectandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several key regions of North and Central America. Within Mexico, its presence is noted in the central territories as well as the coastal areas of the Gulf. Furthermore, it can be found throughout the southwestern and southeastern portions of the Mexican landscape. Moving south into Central America, the species expands its range into the nation of Belize. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various environmental conditions across these specific locales.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Nectandra cuspidata is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level up to an elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting high-altitude forests, specifically within the Bosque alto ecosystem, where it adapts to the distinct environmental conditions present in these montane habitats.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Bosque alto

Life history

The life history of Nectandra cuspidata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present regardless of seasonal shifts, rather than shedding its leaves in a deciduous manner.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Neckandtia cuspiculata is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as both a tree and a shrub. This plant is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. In terms of its physical stature, it exhibits significant verticality, with an average plant height of approximately 20 m and the potential to reach a maximum height of 30 m. Although it possesses climbing characteristics, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory vine or liana, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly terrestrial in its growth habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Nectandra cuspidata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. In terms of leaf structural composition, the plant exhibits a consistent Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC) of 492.1 mg/g, showing no variance between its minimum and maximum recorded values. Additionally, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic or autonomous biological mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

492.1 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Nectandra cuspidata is driven by biotic pollination syndromes, specifically utilizing insect vectors to facilitate fertilization. Within these biotic interactions, the plant relies heavily on bees as primary pollinators. Following successful pollination, the plant develops a fruit characterized as a drupe, which is indehiscent, meaning it does not split open at maturity to release its seeds. The resulting fruit has an average width of approximately 1.2 cm. For the stage of seed dissemination, the species employs a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport its fruits and ensure the spread of its progeny throughout the environment.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit type :

drupe

Fruit width mean:

1.2 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Nectandra cuspidata 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. Natural product research

Chemicals

Nectandra cuspidata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicatechin, Isovitexin, Vitexin.

Epicatechin

1. Natural product research

Isovitexin

1. Natural product research

Vitexin

1. Natural product research

Activities

Nectandra cuspidata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Nectandra cuspidata has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), fractions, isolated compounds.

Ethanolic extract

1. Natural product research

Ethyl acetate fraction (eaf)

1. Natural product research

Fractions

1. Natural product research

Isolated compounds

1. Natural product research