Ocotea paranaensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Laurales, it is classified under the family Lauraceae. It is further identified by the genus Ocotea, specifically as the species Ocotea paranaeensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is specifically found within the southern regions of Brazil. Its native habitat is concentrated in the southern part of the country, where environmental conditions support its growth. Within the Brazilian landscape, this species occupies a distinct ecological niche typical of the South. Consequently, its geographical range is relatively localized to these specific southern territories. Understanding this distribution is essential for studying the natural occurrence of Ocotea paranaeensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ocotea paranaeensis is characterized by its occurrence within the Floresta Ombrófila (equivalent to Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives in humid, rain-fed forest environments. This species is specifically adapted to montane conditions, occupying a distinct altitudinal niche. Its distribution is constrained to a specialized elevational range, found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 800 m AMSL and reaching an upper limit of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Ocotea paranaiensis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived woody species, it undergoes a developmental progression from seed germination through several juvenile stages before reaching reproductive maturity. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant maintains continuous physiological functions to support structural growth and the eventual production of reproductive structures. This perennial nature ensures that the species can contribute to the forest canopy and seed bank over multiple seasons, adapting its growth patterns to the long-term stability of its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ocotea paranaeensis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. As a terrestrial species, it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, nor does it function as an epiphyte (such as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte), instead maintaining a self-supporting structure within its ecosystem. The plant's architecture is defined by its sturdy, woody composition, which allows it to stand as a prominent tree rather than a shrub, herb, or climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ocotea paranaensis 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

Ocotea paranaensis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, Hyperin, kaempferol, quercetin.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Natural product research

Hyperin

1. Natural product research

kaempferol

1. Natural product research

quercetin

1. Natural product research

Activities

Ocotea paranaensis has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. Natural product research

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Ocotea paranaensis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Natural product research