Ouratea semiserrata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Trichouratea caulipila
• Gomphia semiserrata
• Gomphia persistens
• Ouratea semiserrata var. persistens
• Camptouratea semiserrata
• Camptouratea persistens
• Ochna semiserrata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Ouratea semiserrata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Ochteaceae. Finally, it is identified as a member of the genus Ouratea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Ouratea semiserrata, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the South American nation of Brazil. Its presence is documented within the diverse ecosystems of the Brazil West-Central region. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting parts of the Brazil Northeast area. It also maintains a significant geographical footprint throughout the Brazil Southeast territory. Consequently, these findings highlight the varied environmental ranges this medicinal plant occupies across the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ouratea semiserrata is fundamentally defined by its presence within the Cerrado (latto sensu) biome, where it occupies specific ecological niches adapted to the complex environmental dynamics of this tropical savanna ecosystem. As a component of this highly seasonal landscape, the species is integrated into a community characterized by distinct wet and dry cycles, influencing its physiological adaptations and resource acquisition strategies. Its distribution within the Cerrado implies a capacity to thrive amidst varying degrees of vegetation density, ranging from open savanna formations to more wooded patches, where it interacts with specific soil compositions and fire regimes typical of the region. The plant's survival and reproductive success are closely tied to these environmental stressors, including nutrient-poor soils and periodic water scarcity, which shape its role within the local trophic structures and plant community assemblages.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Ouratea semiserrata is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, indicating that its perennating buds are elevated well above the ground level, allowing it to persist as a woody plant within its ecosystem. Within the spectrum of botanical life forms, it functions primarily as a phanerophyte, though its structural adaptability may occasionally align with characteristics of a nanophanerophyte depending on its specific growth stage and environmental niche. This life strategy enables the species to navigate seasonal changes and maintain a stable presence in its habitat, utilizing its elevated bud structure to ensure survival and continued vegetative growth over multiple seasons.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ouratea semiserrata is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which reaches a maximum plant height of 7 meters. This species is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing or parasitic behaviors, functioning as an independent organism. It is classified as a terrestrial plant, meaning it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, and it does not exist as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial lifestyle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ouratea semiserrata 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. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Chemicals

Ouratea semiserrata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Agathisflavone, Epicatechin, Lanceoloside A.

Agathisflavone

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Epicatechin

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Lanceoloside A

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Ouratea semiserrata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antihypertensive.

Antihypertensive

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Preparations

Ouratea semiserrata has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extract, ethanol extract.

Crude extract

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Ethanol extract

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR