Pilea crenulata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Adicea cuneifolia
• Pilea cuneifolia
• Urtica cuneifolia
• Laportea crenulata
• Urtica crenulata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Pilea crenulata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Rosales. Finally, it is a member of the family Urticaceae and is placed in the genus Pilea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Pilea crenulata, possesses a very specific and localized geographical range. Within the broader Caribbean region, its presence is notably documented in the island nation of Jamaica. This indicates that the species thrives under the unique tropical environmental conditions found there. Because its distribution is so restricted, it is considered an endemic element of the local flora. Consequently, understanding its habitat in Jamaica is essential for studying its natural ecological niche.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Pilea crenulata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. As a herbaceous plant, it lacks a permanent woody structure, maintaining a soft, succulent, or flexible stem throughout its life cycle. This non-woody nature defines its physical stature, contributing to its classification as a delicate member of its genus.

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pilea crenulata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism common to most shade-tolerant understory species that utilizes the enzyme RuBisCO to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy reflects the plant's adaptation to environments where light intensity may be fluctuating or limited, prioritizing efficient carbon fixation under moderate temperatures rather than the water-conserving adaptations seen in C4 or CAM pathways. Consequently, its physiological processes are highly dependent on consistent moisture availability and stable humidity to maintain turgor pressure and facilitate gas exchange through its stomata. The metabolic efficiency of this C3 system allows the plant to optimize biomass production within its specific ecological niche, balancing the energetic costs of photorespiration with the requirements for steady growth in shaded habitats.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pilea crenulata 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. Natural product research

Chemicals

Pilea crenulata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Natural product research