Palicourea tetraphylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Palicourea tetraphyllia, exhibits a very specific and limited geographical range. Its presence is primarily concentrated within the South American continent. Specifically, the distribution of this medicinal species is recorded in the country of Brazil. Within the Brazilian territory, it is found located in the Southeast region. Consequently, its natural habitat appears to be restricted to these particular environmental zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Palicourea tetraphylla is intrinsically linked to high-moisture environments, primarily thriving within coastal forests (Floresta Ciliar) or gallery forests (Galeria), as well as within ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila), which are synonymous with tropical rainforest ecosystems. These habitats provide the constant humidity, shade, and nutrient-rich, well-drained soils necessary for its development. By occupying these specific niches, the species relies on the stable microclimates and high precipitation levels characteristic of riparian zones and dense pluvial forests to sustain its physiological processes and reproductive cycles.

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Palicourea tetraphylla is characterized by its distinct growth strategies and structural classifications within its ecosystem. Primarily, the species functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its permanent buds well above the ground level, which allows it to thrive in diverse tropical environments. Depending on its specific environmental niche and developmental stage, it may also exhibit traits associated with a nanophanerophyte, representing a growth form where the life-sustaining organs are held at a relatively low height compared to larger woody shrubs. This dual capacity for structural development enables the plant to adapt its stature in response to light availability and competition within its habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Palicourtea tetraphylla is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a shrub. It is an independent organism, functioning as a non-parasitic species rather than an obligatory or facultative parasite. In terms of its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly grounded. Furthermore, it is a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or an obligatory/facultative vine, maintaining a stable, upright shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Palicourea tetraphylla 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. Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]