Phenax angustifolius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Boehmeria angustifolia
• Phenax ulei

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, it is further categorized into the family Urticaceae. Finally, it is identified under the specific genus Phenax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions in the Americas. Within Central America, its presence is documented in both Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving toward Western South America, the species can be found in the territory of Colombia. Its range further extends into the southern reaches of the continent, specifically within Bolivia. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the country of Peru.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phenax angustifolius is characterized by its remarkable adaptability across diverse forest ecosystems and a wide vertical distribution. This species can be found inhabiting a variety of environments, including riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), terra firme forests (Floresta de Terra Firme), semi-deciduous seasonal forests (Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual), and ombrophilous or rainforest environments (Floresta Ombrófila). Its altitudinal tolerance is extensive, allowing it to thrive in habitats ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to high-altitude elevations of 3300 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

3300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Morphology

The morphology of Phenax angustifolius is characterized by a diverse set of structural adaptations, primarily manifesting as a woody herb. While it exhibits a growth form categorized as a herb, its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature. The plant is non-parasitic, functioning as an independent organism within its ecosystem. In terms of its habitat and life strategy, it is classified as a terrestrial species, though it occupies a niche that can range between aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. It does not function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial rather than exhibiting holoepiphytic, hemiepiphytic, or facultative epiphytic tendencies. Additionally, the plant is self-supporting in its growth habit, lacking the climbing mechanisms associated with lianas, vines, or obligatory or facultative climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Phenax angustifolius 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. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Phenax angustifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isovitexin, Quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, Vitexin.

Isovitexin

1. Journal of natural products

Quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

Vitexin

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Phenax angustifolius has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extract of the leaves.

Ethanolic extract of the leaves

1. Journal of natural products