Plinia trunciflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eugenia rabeniana
• Myrciaria peruviana var. trunciflora
• Myrciaria trunciflora
• Guapurium fruticosum

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 Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae, it is further classified under the genus Plinia. Specifically, this medicinal species is known as Plinia trunciflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across both Central and South America. In the Central American region, its presence is noted within Honduras. Moving to Western South America, the species can be found inhabiting parts of both Bolivia and Peru. Within the vast territory of Brazil, it is specifically located in the West-Central region. Additionally, the plant's range extends into the Southeast region of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Plinia trunciflora is characterized by its adaptability to varying topographical gradients, primarily occurring within lowland and mid-elevation habitats. This species thrives across a broad altitudinal spectrum, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 600 m AMSL. This specific elevational range suggests that the plant is well-suited to tropical or subtropical lowland environments, where it likely interacts with diverse soil compositions and moisture regimes typical of these lower altitudes. Its ability to inhabit these specific vertical zones influences its distribution within its native ecosystem, dictating the climatic conditions and biological interactions it encounters throughout its life cycle.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Plinia trunciflora is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, meaning the plant lives for many years and maintains its biological functions across multiple seasonal cycles. As a long-lived woody species, it does not follow the rapid turnover seen in annuals or the shorter duration of biennials; instead, it establishes a stable presence in its ecosystem, undergoing continuous growth and maturation over a prolonged period. This perennial nature allows the plant to invest significant energy into structural development and robust root systems, enabling it to withstand environmental fluctuations and support reproductive cycles throughout its extended lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Plinia trunciflora is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which remains entirely self-supporting without the need for climbing structures. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial lifestyle rather than occupying aquatic, semiaquatic, or other specialized niches. Its structural development is defined by its robust, woody nature, supporting its stature as a perennial tree in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Plinia trunciflora 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Nutrients

Activities

Plinia trunciflora has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neuroprotective.

Neuroprotective

1. Nutrients

Conditions

Plinia trunciflora has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include brain hypoxia-ischemia, oxidative stress.

Brain hypoxia-ischemia

1. Nutrients

Oxidative stress

1. Nutrients

Preparations

Plinia trunciflora has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruit extract.

Fruit extract

1. Nutrients