Piper mikanianum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Artanthe mikaniana
• Schilleria mikaniana

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Piper, specifically as the species Piper mikanianum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several regions within South America. In Brazil, its presence is noted throughout the Southeast and the South. Its range extends into the northeastern parts of Argentina within the southern portion of the continent. Additionally, the species can be found growing in Paraguay. Finally, its geographical reach includes the territory of Uruguay.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper mikanianum is characterized by its presence across a diverse range of Brazilian biomes, including the Cerrado (latu sensu), Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest (Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual), and Ombrophilous Forest (Floresta Ombrófila, also known as Rainforest). This plant exhibits significant adaptability to varying topographical positions, occupying an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal distribution, combined with its ability to thrive in both seasonally dry and perennially humid forest environments, suggests a versatile ecological strategy capable of managing different moisture regimes and light availability within these distinct vegetation types.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Piper mikanianum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its natural habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle in a single year or two, but rather maintains a continuous presence in the ecosystem, often developing robust vegetative structures that support long-term survival. This sustained lifecycle enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its environment, undergoing repeated cycles of growth, maturation, and reproduction over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Piper mikanianum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a shrub. It is an independent species, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being an epiphyte. The plant is categorized as terrestrial in its habitat, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. In terms of its structural development, it is a self-supporting organism, rather than being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper mikanianum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amide, CAMPHENE, E-Nerolidol, Flavonoids, LIMONENE.

Amide

1. Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie

CAMPHENE

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

E-Nerolidol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Flavonoids

1. Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie

LIMONENE

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Spathulenol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity