Piper glabratum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Steffensia glabrata
• Piper ledebourii
• Artanthe glabrata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found across several distinct regions of Western South America, including Ecuador and Peru. Its distribution extends significantly into Brazil, where it occupies various ecological zones. Specifically, it can be located within the West-Central region of Brazil. Furthermore, the species is present in the Northeast part of the country. Finally, its range reaches into the Southeast region of Brazil as well.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper glabratum is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse ecosystems and a significant altitudinal gradient. This species thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica) and the Cerrado (latu sensu) to more humid environments such as riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), semi-deciduous seasonal forests (Floresta Estacional Semi-decididual), and ombrophilous or rainforest environments (Floresta Ombrófila). Additionally, it is found in coastal restinga ecosystems. Its vertical distribution is quite extensive, spanning from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1130 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy various ecological niches within these complex landscape mosaics.

Elevational range max:

1130 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Piper glabratum is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its natural habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete senescence associated with annuals, instead maintaining a continuous presence within its ecological niche. This long-term life cycle enables the plant to invest resources into robust structural development and reproductive stability over time. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes various stages of vegetative growth and seasonal cycles, contributing to the long-term stability of its local ecosystem through its sustained biological presence.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Piper glabratum is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies. In terms of its habitat and growth habit, the plant is terrestrial rather than aquatic or semiaquatic, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining grounded in its environment. While it possesses climbing tendencies, its structure is categorized as self-supporting, whether acting as a facultative or self-supporting climber, rather than being an obligatory liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper glabratum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include methyl 3,4-dihydroxy-5-(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl)benzoate.

methyl 3,4-dihydroxy-5-(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl)benzoate

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Piper glabratum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Teratogenic.

Teratogenic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Piper glabratum has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum, inflammation, pain.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Journal of natural products

Inflammation

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Pain

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)