Poikilacanthus glandulosus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Beloperone spathulata
• Ecbolium umbrosum
• Adhatoda umbrosa
• Adhatoda flexuosa
• Ecbolium flexuosum
• Tyloglossa flexuosa
• Orthotactus glandulosus
• Justicia flexuosa
• Poikilacanthus flexuosus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Acanthaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Poikilacanthus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions of South America. In Brazil, its presence is documented specifically in the Southeast and South regions. Moving into the southern part of the continent, it can be found in the Northeast of Argentina. The species also inhabits the territory of Paraguay. Finally, its geographical range extends into Uruguay.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Poikilacanthus glandulosus is characterized by its specific niche within high-altitude forest ecosystems, specifically inhabiting the "Bosque alto" habitat. This species is distributed across a distinct altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 500 m AMSL. Its presence in these high forests indicates an adaptation to the particular microclimates, moisture levels, and light availability found within these specific forest structures at low to mid-elevation ranges.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Bosque alto

Life history

The life history of Poikilacanthus glandulosus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived species, it maintains a continuous presence in its natural habitat, undergoing cyclical periods of vegetative growth and reproductive development. This perennial nature allows the plant to establish a stable foundation, investing energy into robust structural development that supports its survival over several years, enabling it to weather seasonal fluctuations and reproduce multiple times throughout its lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Poikilacanthus glandulosus is characterized by its distinct growth habit and structural composition. It presents as a woody subshrub that maintains an independent existence, functioning as a non-parasitic organism. Although its ecological niche can vary across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial habitats, it primarily manifests as a terrestrial species. In terms of its physical support and climbing mechanisms, the plant is categorized as a self-supporting entity rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, meaning it does not rely on other structures like lianas or vines to ascend. Furthermore, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly terrestrial in its growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Poikilacanthus glandulosus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Maslinic acid, Sitosterol, Uvaol.

Maslinic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Sitosterol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Uvaol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Poikilacanthus glandulosus has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cicatrization, inflammation, insect bites.

Cicatrization

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Insect bites

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Poikilacanthus glandulosus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include macerated leaves and branches prepared with alcohol, macerated leaves and branches prepared with sugarcane liquor.

Macerated leaves and branches prepared with alcohol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Macerated leaves and branches prepared with sugarcane liquor

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology