Piper vicosanum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Piperales, it is classified under the family Piperaceae. Specifically, Piper vicosanum is identified by its genus, Piper.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its geographical reach extends through the lush regions of Brazil North and the expansive areas of Brazil Northeast. Furthermore, the species can be found growing within the environmental zones of Brazil West-Central. It also maintains a significant distribution throughout the territories of Brazil Southeast and Brazil South. Consequently, Piper vicosanum is truly a pan-Brazilian species found in nearly every major climatic region of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Piper vicosanum is characterized by its occurrence within distinct Brazilian biomes, specifically occupying the Cerrado (latu sensu) and the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). This distribution suggests a versatile adaptation to varying moisture regimes, ranging from the seasonal, more open environments of the Cerrado to the high-humidity, high-rainfall conditions of the Ombrophilous Forest. By inhabiting both these ecosystems, the species utilizes diverse microclimates, benefiting from the structural complexity and nutrient cycling found in tropical moist forests as well as the specific soil and light conditions characteristic of the Cerrado landscape.

Habitat :

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

Morphology

The morphology of Piper vicosanum is characterized by a woody structure, exhibiting a growth form consistent with a shrub. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant is an independent species, lacking any parasitic relationship with other organisms, and operates as a self-supporting climber rather than 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)

Plant Parts

Piper vicosanum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Pharmaceutics
2. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP

Activities

Piper vicosanum has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiarthritic, Antinociceptive.

Analgesic

1. Pharmaceutics

Antiarthritic

1. Pharmaceutics

Antinociceptive

1. Pharmaceutics

Medicinal Uses

Piper vicosanum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include mechanical hyperalgesia, pleurisy.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations