Pleurothyrium cinereum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Pleurothyrium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of Western South America. Specifically, its natural habitat includes the lush regions of Ecuador. It also maintains a presence across the mountainous landscapes of Peru. These two countries represent its documented geographical range. Consequently, the species is considered endemic to these specific parts of the western continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pleurothyrium cinereum is characterized by its specific distribution within a distinct altitudinal gradient, primarily occupying lowland and sub-montane environments. This species thrives within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 25 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 600 m AMSL. This relatively low-altitude positioning suggests an adaptation to warmer, more humid tropical climates typical of these elevations, where it likely occupies specific niches within the forest strata to optimize its growth and reproductive success.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

25 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Pleurothyrium cinereum is characterized by a woody structure that functions as a tree, reaching a maximum plant height of 22 m. Although it displays a terrestrial habit in its ecological positioning, it is categorized across a spectrum of aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial traits. The plant is a self-supporting organism, exhibiting both self-supporting characteristics in its climbing habit and a growth form that does not rely on obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms like vines or lianas. As an independent species, it does not function as a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional requirements. Furthermore, its epiphytic status is defined as terrestrial, distinguishing it from holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic growth patterns.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

22 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Pleurothyrium cinereum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Kaurenoic acid.

Kaurenoic acid

1. Journal of natural products