Parastrephia quadrangularis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Baccharis quadrangularis
• Lepidophyllum tola
• Lepidophyllum meyenii
• Lepidophyllum quadrangulare
• Polyclados cupressinus
• Dolichogyne lepidophylla
• Parastrephia lepidophylla

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized under the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Parastrephia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found growing within Bolivia. Its range extends into the southern portion of the continent as well. Specifically, it is located in the northwest region of Argentina. Finally, the species is also documented in the northern areas of Chile.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Parasatrephia quadrangularis is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude environments, specifically thriving within a distinct montane niche. This species is characterized by its ability to inhabit steep, rugged terrains, maintaining a specific vertical distribution that dictates its presence within the landscape. Its ecological range is strictly constrained by altitude, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 3000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4700 m AMSL. This high-elevation preference suggests an evolutionary adaptation to the unique climatic stressors found in alpine or sub-alpine zones, including lower temperatures, intense solar radiation, and potentially thinner atmospheric conditions.

Elevational range max:

4700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Parastrephia quadrangularis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a persistent presence within its arid and semi-arid habitats. As a long-lived plant, it avoids the seasonal mortality associated with annuals, instead establishing a robust root system that supports continuous growth and survival through varying environmental conditions. This perennial lifecycle enables the plant to endure periods of drought and resource scarcity, often contributing to the stability of its ecological niche. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes multiple reproductive cycles, contributing to the long-term persistence of its populations in desert ecosystems.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Parastrefia quadrangularis is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning primarily as a shrub. This plant is categorized as a terrestrial species, existing independently of other organisms as it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of its structural habit, it is described as a self-supporting climber, meaning it possesses the ability to maintain its own structure without being an obligatory or facultative vine that requires external support to ascend. Its growth pattern is consistent with a terrestrial lifestyle, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species, and it does not exhibit epiphytic qualities, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Parastrephia quadrangularis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lignoceric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid.

Lignoceric acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

linoleic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

linolenic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

oleic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

palmitic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Parastrephia quadrangularis has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extracts, tinctures.

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tinctures

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology