Ocotea notata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mespilodaphne notata
• Mespilodaphne petiolaris
• Ocotea glaucina
• Oreodaphne notata
• Oreodaphne glaucina

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus name, Ocotea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several major regions within the country of Brazil. Its presence is documented throughout the Northeast region, where it adapts to specific local climates. Additionally, the species can be found thriving in the Southeast portion of the nation. The geographical range also extends significantly into the South of Brazil. Consequently, these diverse locations highlight the broad ecological footprint of Ocotea notata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ocotea notaata is characterized by its presence in diverse, moisture-rich environments, specifically occurring within the Floresta Ombrófila (Rainforest/Pluvial Forest) and Restinga ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Ocotea notata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its ecosystem over many years. As a long-lived woody species, it does not follow the rapid turnover seen in annual or biennial plants, instead investing energy into sustained structural growth and long-term survival. Its development involves an initial establishment phase where it transitions from a seedling to a mature individual, eventually reaching a reproductive stage where it can produce seeds across multiple seasons. This perennial nature enables the plant to maintain a stable presence within its habitat, contributing to the long-term ecological structure and regeneration cycles of its environment.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ocotea notaata is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 16 meters, though it may also present in a shrubby habit. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies, and it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic lifestyles. As a self-supporting plant, it lacks the climbing characteristics of lianas or vines, maintaining a stable, upright structural integrity throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

16 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ocotea notata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Afzelin, Isoquercitrin, Isorhamnetin glucuronide, quercitrin.

Afzelin

1. Natural product research

Isoquercitrin

1. Natural product research

Isorhamnetin glucuronide

1. Natural product research

quercitrin

1. Natural product research