Ouratea spectabilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several key regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, its distribution can be specifically identified within the borders of Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is widely spread, occupying the North and Northeast territories. Furthermore, it is documented throughout the West-Central regions of the country. Finally, the plant's range extends into the Southeast portion of Brazil, completing its extensive regional coverage.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ouratea spectabilis is defined by its specific niche within the Cerrado (lato sensu) habitat, where it thrives under particular environmental conditions. This species occupies a specialized altitudinal belt, specifically adapted to higher terrain with an elevational range extending from a minimum of 900 m AMSL to a maximum of 1200 m AMSL. Within these tropical savanna ecosystems, its distribution is closely tied to the varying moisture and soil compositions characteristic of the Cerrado biome.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Ouratea spectabilis is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant exhibits a deciduous habit, meaning it undergoes a seasonal shedding of its foliage. This cycle of growth and leaf abscission is a key component of its biological rhythm, influencing its resource management and survival strategies within its native habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ouratea spectabilis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 4.5 m, with a maximum height recorded at 4 m. This species is a self-supporting, terrestrial plant that does not exhibit climbing, epiphytic, or parasitic behaviors, functioning instead as an independent organism. Its structural development is strictly non-aquatic, maintaining a robust, woody constitution throughout its life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ouratea spectabilis is characterized by complex metabolic processes tailored to its specific ecological niche, primarily focusing on nutrient acquisition and energy transformation. In terms of its nitrogen metabolism, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological survival depends on the efficient uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through an extensive root system. Photosynthetically, the plant utilizes specialized pigments to capture light energy, driving the Calvin cycle to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. Its transpiration processes are regulated by stomatal conductance to balance gas exchange with water conservation, ensuring metabolic stability during varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, its internal physiological mechanisms include robust secondary metabolite production, which serves both as a defense mechanism against herbivory and as a way to manage oxidative stress within its tissues.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ouratea spectabilis 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. Planta medica

Preparations

Ouratea spectabilis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include EtOH extract from leaves, crude extracts.

Etoh extract from leaves

1. Planta medica

Crude extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR