Pilocarpus pennatifolius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of South America. In Brazil, its presence is documented across the West-Central, Southeast, and South regions. Moving towards the southern part of the continent, it is also found in the Northeast of Argentina. Additionally, the species can be located within the borders of Paraguay. Together, these areas define the specific geographical range of Pilocarpus pennatifolius.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pilocarpus pennatifolius is defined by its presence across diverse forest ecosystems, specifically within the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), and the Floresta Ombrófila Mista. This plant demonstrates a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving in environments that range from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Pilocarpus pennatifolius is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Functioning as a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated above the ground, which defines its structural life form. This species maintains an evergreen status, retaining its foliage throughout the year rather than undergoing seasonal shedding. Its biological strategy as a phanerophyte ensures a stable presence within its ecological niche, supported by its long-lived perennial nature and constant vegetative cover.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pilocarpus pennatifolius is characterized by its woody structure and diverse growth forms, ranging from a shrub to a tree. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit aquatic or epiphytic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence without parasitic or hemi-epiphytic habits. In terms of stature, the plant displays significant vertical variability, with an average height of approximately 5 m, though individual specimens can reach a maximum height of up to 12 m. While it possesses a woody composition, its physical habit is described as self-supporting, lacking the climbing mechanisms associated with lianas or vines.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pilocarpus pennatifolius is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under varying environmental conditions. Unlike plants utilizing C4 or CAM mechanisms, this species relies on the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, and instead depends on the uptake of nitrogenous compounds directly from the soil.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pilocarpus pennatifolius has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isopilocarpine, pilocarpine.

isopilocarpine

1. Dr. Duke

pilocarpine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Pilocarpus pennatifolius has 20 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Alzheimerigenic, Antiaggregant, Antiglaucomic, Choleretic, Cholinergic.

Alzheimerigenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiglaucomic

1. Dr. Duke

Choleretic

1. Dr. Duke

Cholinergic

1. Dr. Duke

Detoxicant

1. Dr. Duke

Diaphoretic

1. Dr. Duke

Edemagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Gastrostimulant

1. Dr. Duke

Immunostimulant

1. Dr. Duke