Piper tectoniifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Steffensia tectoniifolia
• Artanthe tectoniifolium
• Artanthe fuscescens
• Piper paulianum
• Piper estrellense var. pilosius
• Artanthe fuscescens f. pilosior
• Piper estrellense

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, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Piper, and its specific epithet, tectoniifolium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several key regions of South America. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the territory of French Guiana. Its presence is also widespread throughout Brazil, spanning multiple distinct ecological zones. Specifically, it is documented in the West-Central and Northeast regions of the country. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the Southeast portion of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper tectonifolium is intimately tied to high-moisture environments, as it primarily thrives within coastal forests (Floresta Ciliar) or gallery forests (Galerias), as well as ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila), which are equivalent to tropical rainforests. These habitats provide the constant humidity, consistent rainfall, and shaded, nutrient-rich understory conditions necessary for its development. By occupying these specific niches, the species benefits from the stabilized microclimates found in riparian zones and dense pluviometric belts, where the high availability of water and organic matter supports its growth patterns within the complex forest structure.

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Morphology

The morphology of Piper tectonifolium is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests primarily as a shrub. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies. While it possesses a climbing habit, it is categorized as self-supporting rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. The plant exhibits a significant stature, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Piper tectoniifolium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Grandisin.

Grandisin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Piper tectoniifolium has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include vascular diseases.

Vascular diseases

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)