Palicourea coriacea

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Psychotria xanthophylla
• Uragoga xanthophylla
• Patabea coriacea

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Gentianales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Palicourea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across the South American continent. It can be found growing within the borders of Bolivia in Western South America. Furthermore, its presence is noted in several distinct regions of Brazil. Specifically, it inhabits the West-Central, Southeast, and South portions of the country. These various locations highlight its regional range throughout the tropical and subtropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Palicourea coriacea is characterized by its adaptation to diverse Brazilian biomes, specifically occupying habitats within the Cerrado (latu sensu), Coastal Forests (Floresta Ciliar), or Gallery Forests (Galeria). In these environments, the species thrives in transitional zones where moisture availability and soil composition support its growth patterns. Its presence in gallery forests indicates a close association with riparian corridors, where the proximity to water bodies provides the necessary hydrological stability, while its occurrence in the Cerrado demonstrates a capacity to withstand the seasonal variations and distinct soil profiles typical of these savanna ecosystems.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria

Life history

The life history of Palicourea coriacea is characterized by its specific growth habit and survival strategies within its ecological niche, classified under the life form categories of both chamaephyte and chamaephyte. As a plant that balances its structural development between different growth tiers, its life cycle is defined by these specialized forms, allowing it to persist through seasonal changes by maintaining its regenerative organs at or near the soil surface. This strategic positioning in its life history enables the species to navigate its environment effectively, utilizing its physiological traits to ensure long-term survival and reproductive success within its native habitat.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Palicourea coriacea is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a shrub, exhibiting a non-woody structure. It functions as an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. Although it possesses traits that distinguish it from climbing species, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine. Furthermore, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Palicourea coriacea has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antigenotoxic, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic.

Antigenotoxic

1. Genetics and molecular research : GMR

Cytotoxic

1. Genetics and molecular research : GMR

Genotoxic

1. Genetics and molecular research : GMR

Preparations