Brazilian Licorice

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Brazilian Licorice
• Brazilian-licorice

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Periandra mucronata
• Glycyrrhiza mediterranea
• Periandra mediterranea var. microphylla
• Periandra mediterranea var. linearifoliolata
• Periandra dulcis
• Periandra racemosa
• Periandra angulata
• Glycinopsis mediterranea
• Periandra mediterranea var. mucronata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Periandra, making its full scientific name Periandra mediterranea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found within the borders of Bolivia. Its presence is also extensively documented throughout various parts of Brazil. Specifically, it inhabits the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. Additionally, the species is known to grow within the West-Central territory of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Periandra mediterranea is characterized by a broad distribution across diverse and varied ecosystems, ranging from lowland coastal areas to more elevated terrains. It thrives in a wide array of habitats, including the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu), the seasonal Cerrado (lato sensu), and the unique Amazonian Savannah (Savaana Amazônica). Additionally, the species is found in specialized environments such as Campo de Altitude, Campo Limpo, Campo Rupestre, and the coastal sandy ecosystems known as Restinga. This adaptability allows the plant to inhabit an elevational range that spans from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Campo de Altitude, Campo Limpo, Campo Rupestre, Cerrado (lato sensu), Restinga, Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Periandra mediterranea is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial plant, it avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead establishing a stable root system or base that supports continuous or episodic vegetative growth and reproduction over several years. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to withstand seasonal fluctuations and contribute to the stability of its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Periandra mediterranea is characterized by a shrubby growth form that reaches an average height of approximately 2.5 m. As a non-woody species, it maintains a structural habit that is classified as self-supporting, rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, meaning it does not function as an epiphyte (whether holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or otherwise) nor does it possess aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies such as obligatory or facultative parasitism.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

2.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Periandra mediterranea is characterized by its specialized metabolic pathways and nutrient acquisition strategies adapted to its environmental niche. A critical aspect of its physiological profile involves its interaction with soil nutrients, specifically regarding its ability to engage in symbiotic relationships for nutrient enhancement; however, regarding its capacity for nitrogen fixation, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules and symbiotic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium available in the soil through its root system to support its vegetative growth and reproductive cycles. Its metabolic processes are geared toward maintaining osmotic balance and managing photosynthetic efficiency under varying light and moisture conditions, ensuring the successful production of secondary metabolites that contribute to its medicinal properties.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Periandra mediterranea 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 root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Periandra mediterranea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Periandrin I, Periandrin V.

Periandrin I

1. Phytochemistry

Periandrin V

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Periandra mediterranea has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dried roots, roots.

Dried roots

1. Phytochemistry

Roots

1. Phytochemistry